Sam Baldock's preparations for his first crack at the Premier League have been hit by injury.

The Albion striker has been sidelined during pre-season by a calf problem.

He played no part in last week’s camp in Austria and opening friendly against Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Baldock was initially scheduled to train yesterday but his comeback was put on hold.

Boss Chris Hughton said: “It’s taken a little bit longer than we thought.

“It’s a blow at a time when everybody wants to get going. They’ve all trained really well. It’s a valuable period of time to miss.”

Baldock, 28, sat out Albion’s promotion-sealing seven matches in April with a glutes injury before returning to action on the final day of the season at Aston Villa.

He signed a new three-year contract last month and Hughton has described him as a “key member of the squad”.

Baldock’s absence leaves Albion currently with only Glenn Murray and Tomer Hemed as out-and-out strikers.

Albion also lost star winger Anthony Knockaert early in their 2-0 win over Dusseldorf when he limped off with an ankle injury.

Meanwhile, Maty Ryan has launched his career with Albion - after watching Roger Federer win a record eighth Wimbledon crown on Sunday.

The record signing goalkeeper trained for the first time yesterday after extra time off for his late finish with Australia in the Confederations Cup in Russia.

Ryan will make his debut at Crawley on Saturday.