West Bromwich Albion captain Chris Brunt battling for fitness

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.