One other option available would be to draft in youngster Danny Graham, although McClaren is unlikely to throw him in at the deep end like this. The only other feasible option, and the one McClaren is most likely to take is to play fans favourite Juninho upfront. It would be the Brazilian maestro's first start since September 13th at Bolton.
Juninho has been played upfront before this season, in the opening day defeat at Fulham so the position is no unfamiliar for him, although it is certainly not his most effective position.
The signs are that McClaren will be looking to bring in a striker in January's transfer window, with names like Eidur Gudjohnson and Mark Viduka being linked with the club.