Adam El-Abd will miss the start of pre-season training.

Albion's player of the year has suffered a setback in his recovery from a stress fracture in his foot.

But he says the healing process is now back on track and has not ruled out being fit for the Championship kick-off in early August.

He is due to have a protective boot removed from his foot in early July, at which point the injury will be re-assessed.

El-Abd told theargus.co.uk: "The club's medical staff have been brilliant with me and they are getting me everything they can to help me.

"I don't want to put a timescale on when I am back. It's a case of doing everything I can to help the healing process and what will be will be."