Gus Poyet is putting no timescale on Adam El-Abd’s return to fitness despite “positive” news on the defender’s recovery from a foot injury.

El-Abd had an MRI scan on his left foot on Monday which revealed the stress fracture he suffered towards the end of last season is healing well.

The Seagulls player of the year was due to have a protective boot removed yesterday which will allow him to step up his rehabilitation.

Poyet said: “The results were very positive but it is still hard to say when Adam will be able to return. The bone is healing well but only time will tell what will happen in the next few weeks.

“With his injury there were two options at the start – an operation or the treatment he is having. At the moment the treatment is working well but it all depends how quickly the bone fuses.”