Hurzeler says Mitoma must have no doubts before return

The Japan winger continues in rehab after a hamstring problem which ruled him out of the World Cup.

He is not expected to be back by the time action resumes at Sunderland on October 10.

Mitoma has not played since pulling up dramatically at home to Wolves in the closing stages of last season.

Albion boss Hurzeler said: “After injuries like this, it’s so important that there are no doubts anymore.

“The biggest belief is in your own body. That’s why we need to give him time.

“He needs to understand, ‘Okay, now nothing can happen anymore,’ and then he can go fully.

“Then he will be quickly an option.

“I’m really trusting my medical team. They’re doing a great job. They try to bring the player back as quick as possible.”

Mitoma has been pictured working in the gym but there is no specified timescale for the player’s return.

Hurzeler added: “He passed the first stage of rehab. He’s now in the second stage: he’s improving, he’s developing.”

Latest indications are that Yankuba Minteh, who scored the winner at Sunderland last season, could be back in contention for the Wearside trip along with Femi Azeez and Jack Hinshelwood.

Zadok Yohanna was taken out of the first-team picture recently to work on his fitness, with Hurzeler saying at the time that would be until after the international break.

Pascal Struijk appeared to hold his hamstring before going off late in the win over Arsenal but now has time to recover.

Stefanos Tzimas and Evan Ferguson remain some way off a return to action.