Gera hoping to be fit

07 July 2012 09:17

West Brom midfielder Zoltan Gera is hopeful of being fit for the start of the new season despite making just three appearances during the last campaign.

The Hungarian international was initially sidelined after ankle surgery and then ruptured his cruciate knee ligaments during the clash with Tottenham in December. But Gera expects to resume full training with Albion during the next two weeks and has targeted being available for the Barclays Premier League opener with Liverpool on August 18.

Gera said: "Hopefully I will be ready for the first game of the season against Liverpool."

He went on: "I look forward to starting the season and in a couple of weeks I should be able to train fully with the team.

"I'm looking forward to playing again but I don't want to rush things and, if I need more time, that's fine. I want to be 100% and, as soon as I'm ready, I will want to play."

Gera re-signed for West Brom last summer after his contract ended at Fulham. He spent an initial four years at the Hawthorns.

The Baggies are continuing to track Gent striker Yassine El Ghanassy although reports that a deal has already been agreed for the Belgium international are wide of the mark.

El Ghanassy, who will be 22 next week, can also operate as a wide player.

Source: PA