Ahmed Hegazi could miss start of season for West Brom because of African Cup of Nations

The towering Baggies defender is currently in Egypt, and played for the host nation against Zimbabwe in the opening match of the tournament on Friday.

Seven-time winners Egypt are favourites for the competition and the final isn't due to take place until Friday, July 19.

That's just two weeks before Albion kick off their Championship campaign away at Nottingham Forest on Saturday, August 3.

Hegazi also featured in the World Cup last summer for Egypt, and there are concerns at Albion he's been playing practically non-stop ever since he signed in the summer of 2017.

That year the Egyptian immediately joined his new team-mates in Hong Kong for the Premier League Asia Trophy after signing on loan.

The big centre-back then played all 38 Premier League games in his first season, and 43 games in total last season.

He is expected to be given at least two weeks off after the African Cup of Nations and will then need more time to get back up to speed and rediscover his match fitness.

The Baggies do not want to burn him out and risk doing unnecessary damage to his season ahead.

Hegazi has been a success story since his initial loan move from Al Ahly in the summer of 2017. That move was made permanent the following January for £4.5m.

The Egyptian had a £10million release clause in his contract last summer, but even though Leicester City were interested in him, he did not leave.

Following an impressive season in the Championship, there is likely to be Premier League interest in him this summer.

However, fellow centre-back Craig Dawson only has one year left on his contract, and is more likely to be sold then Hegazi, who still has two years remaining.

Dawson handed in a transfer request last summer to try and force a move to Burnley. The Clarets could return for him this summer, and Watford have also been linked.