ALBION remain optimistic Gareth McAuley and James Morrison will be ready to join the senior squad in time for the Premier League starting line.
The Baggies face Bournemouth at The Hawthorns on Saturday, August 12 and continued their preparations with victories in two friendlies last night – 1-0 at Burton and 2-1 at Walsall.
Head Coach Tony Pulis saw his men come through the two games without any problems but McAuley and Morrison are two figures yet to get their football underway.
The popular pair have been held back by thigh and knee injuries respectively with Morrison's preparations further hampered when he missed the Premier League Asia Trophy trip following the bereavement of a close friend.
But Pulis said: "Moz has missed out as well as McAuley. They are the two we've got problems and issues with.
"By the time the season starts they'll be closer. Whether they'll be able to start we're not sure. We're hoping by the time the season starts they will be around about fit."
Meanwhile the Albion gaffer, who managed the Burton game while joint assistant Head Coach Ben Garner was in charge of the game at Walsall, is more than happy with how new boys Jay Rodriguez and Ahmed Hegazi are settling in.
Both were again impressive in the Burton victory with Rodriguez heading the winning goal and Hegazi named Man of the Match.
"We're very pleased with them," said Pulis.
"Jay is a quality player who always looks to have goals in him as we saw again tonight.
"Hegazi was very good again tonight and he's looking a good player."