Albion defender Shane Duffy faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the Premier League season following groin surgery.

Duffy had a minor op after aggravating the problem on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

Boss Chris Hughton is confident he will be fit to take his regular place next to Lewis Dunk at the heart of the Seagulls’ back four for the opening game of their second campaign in the top flight at Watford on August 11.

Duffy played in friendlies for the Republic against France and the USA after helping Albion clinch survival.

Hughton told The Argus: “Right towards the end of the season he experienced a little bit of discomfort. It wasn’t bad enough to stop him playing.

“Then he went away with the Irish team and was feeling it more. He’s had a small procedure.

“It will set him back a bit and he will miss a period of pre-season but we are very confident he will make the start of the season.”

Duffy played a pivotal role with Dunk in Albion achieving safety. The powerful 26-year-old missed only one match, against Watford at home, due to suspension.

Hughton depended on the partnership established in the promotion season the year before after Duffy arrived from Blackburn Rovers.

The Albion players report back on Thursday, minus Duffy, the other players who were away on international duty at the end of the season and World Cup trio Mathew Ryan, Leon Balogun and Jose Izquierdo.

The Seagulls are in Austria for a training camp from July 8 to 13, then cross the border for their first friendly against Swiss club St Gallen on July 14. A series of friendlies back in England begin at AFC Wimbledon on July 21 and end with Sporting Lisbon’s visit to the Amex on August 3.