West Bromwich Albion captain Chris Brunt faces a race against time to be fit for the start of the season as he struggles with a calf injury.
The Northern Ireland international has yet to feature in pre-season for the Baggies after being sent home from the club's tour of Sweden.
The 27-year-old told the Express & Star: "It's really frustrating because I've missed out on a lot of fitness work as well.
"Also, I haven't played any football yet, other than the few training sessions I got involved in.
"The nature of the injury means it's difficult for me to run on it, which is a bit of a nightmare. I hope to back in full training next week."
Brunt is unlikely to start in West Brom's opening Premier League game against Liverpool on August 18.
