Ezequiel Schelotto has targeted pre-season with Albion as he recovers from a serious knee injury.

The right-back fell out of favour with previous boss Chris Hughton but has a year left on his contract as Graham Potter takes the helm.

Schelotto saw a mid-season loan stint at Chievo cut short by a cruciate ligament injury on only his second start.

He is now running again and doing extensive strength-building exercises back home in Argentina.

It remains unclear what the future holds for the former Internazionale player although a return to Chievo for what would be a third stint appears unlikely after they were relegated from Serie A.

Schelotto said: “It’s a tough moment for a footballer to suffer an injury like that. I’d just turned 30 and it was the first time I’d had such a serious injury.

“I snapped my cruciate ligaments but three months have gone.

“If all goes well, in a month I will start again with the team in England and the idea is in the fifth month to start playing some football.”

Schelotto has not featured in league or cup since the 4-0 thrashing at Liverpool on the final day of the 2017-18 season.

But he remains confident in his own ability and keen to return to regular football after winning his fitness battle.

He said: “You are mentally prepared because you know it is a contact sport but I injured myself alone.

“A lot of things go through your head and, in those moments, the support of the family is fundamental.

“My wife, my parents, my brothers and friends were always there.

“The most important thing in the first weeks is to shake off the fear and to want to get back.

“I’m someone who never wants to give up and that is also the way I play.”

Speaking on TNT Sports, Schelotto left the door open to an eventual return to Argentina, ideally at Velez Sarsfield or Banfield.

He said "All my family are Velez fans. I grew up in that suburb.

“Or, for example, Banfield. I have great memories from being there for six years as a youngster.

“If I follow any teams, it’s those two – Velez and Banfield all the time.

“I’ve always been sounded out about moves but I've never had a coach call me.

“I would like to take on the challenge of playing in Argentinean football.”