Alan Irvine: 'Joleon Lescott likely to miss start of Premier League season'

West Bromwich Albion manager Alan Irvine has revealed that defender Joleon Lescott will "probably not" be fit enough for the start of the new season.

The 31-year-old, who joined the Baggies from Manchester City earlier this summer, limped off in a pre-season friendly against Nottingham Forest last month in his first appearance for the club.

"Joleon Lescott is still not training," Irvine is quoted as saying by Goal.com. "He is still suffering with a knee problem. We don't think it is anything major but he has a bit of fluid on his knee.

"We are hopeful he will be back soon. He has done a bit more - but it is a tall order. It depends what happens over the next nine days but if you're asking me now whether [Lescott will] make it, it is 'probably not'."

Irvine also confirmed that Gareth McAuley is likely to miss out on the Premier League opener against Sunderland next weekend, while new recruit Sebastien Pocognoli is expected to recover in time to feature.