Northern Ireland international nears return
CHRIS Brunt is on target to be back in Albion’s first-team plans next month.
The Baggies star is now back in training with his senior team mates as he continues his recovery from a right anterior knee ligament injury suffered in the 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace in late February.
The injury ended cruelly Brunty’s hopes of representing Northern Ireland at this summer’s European Championships in France.
But the long and at times lonely slog through the summer is beginning to pay-off as the 31-year-old homes in on a satisfactory recovery.
Dr Mark Gillett, Director of Performance, says: “Chris is making good progress – he’s doing well and now back in training. Obviously, we need to balance that with the fact that he has been out for the last six months.
“We will make sure he is carefully managed over the next few weeks.”
Albion’s medical staff have all been hugely impressed at the way in which Brunt swallowed his Euro 16 disappointment to knuckle down to his ‘rehab.’
“I think Chris has shown a lot of character throughout his recovery,” says ‘The Doc.’ “That was a big disappointment and while the tournament was on he has worked all through the summer.
“But it does mean he is really looking forward to first team football again just as much as we are looking forward to having him available again.”