West Brom were dealt a frustrating injury blow recently, with the news that Ahmed Hegazi underwent surgery to rectify a long-term ankle problem. 

The club revealed earlier this month, that the defender's operation went as well as first hoped, and the aim is for the Egyptian to be back in action after September's international break.

Hegazi took to Instagram recently to issue an update on his recovery, and supporters will be pleased with the progress he's making heading into the new Championship campaign.

Hegazi made 38 league appearances for West Brom last season as they narrowly missed out on a chance to win promotion via the play-offs.

The Baggies were beaten on penalties by Aston Villa in their play-off semi-final, with Dean Smith's side eventually going on to win promotion at Wembley with a win over Derby County.

So promotion will be the obvious aim for West Brom this season, and they'll be keen to get off to a positive start in this year's league campaign.

The Baggies get their new season underway with a potentially tricky trip to the City Ground to take on Sabri Lamouchi's Nottingham Forest, who will be keen to get off to a strong start themselves.

The Verdict: 

The sooner he's back to full fitness, the better.

Hegazy was hugely impressive for the Baggies last season, and I don't think they would have finished inside the top-six without him in all honesty.

He'll leave a sizeable void in the heart of their defence for the first few games of their season, and it's important that they remain in touch with the promotion-chasing pack whilst he continues his rehabilitation.