Ahmed Hegazi working hard to get ahead of schedule on road to recovery

The Egyptian centre-back has been working hard at Albion’s training ground, using anti-gravity treadmills and other rehabilitation tools in a bid to get back as soon as possible.

He’s targeting a return after the first international break of the season, and is likely to be given minutes in one of the under-23 matches against West Ham or Newcastle in mid-September.

Boss Slaven Bilic has been impressed with his determination to recover.

“With Hegazi, he’s ahead of the schedule,” said Bilic. “It’s still four or five weeks.

“He’s a good professional and you know him better than me – he’s crying to come back. It’s great to have somebody like that in the squad.”

Hal Robson-Kanu is also sidelined at the moment with a sore back, but is expected to start training again on Thursday.

“Hal is better, but he’s still not 100% fit,” said Bilic. “We have to be very cautious.

“It’s a back injury – well, it’s not really an injury to be fair. He’s a bit sore, but the disc is alright and that’s the most important thing.

“We don’t want to rush Hal, he should start training again with us the day after the Reading game.”

Gareth Barry continues to train with Albion, despite being officially out of contract.

The veteran midfielder is recovering from knee surgery and once fit, the Baggies plan to give Barry a 12-month contract.

“Barry is closer,” said Bilic. “I said last week that everything is going according to plan.

“He is strengthening his quad to make less pressure on his knee. He’s getting there.”

Deadline day signing Chris Willock played for the under-23s on Monday to get some minutes under his belt.

“He’s a good player and he looks lively,” added Bilic. “He has to wait for his chance at the moment. It’s like that.

“On one hand they’re making my decisions difficult. They’re all trying, they’re all training good. We don’t have many injuries.”