Kyle Bartley played in 39 of West Bromwich Albion’s 46 Championship outings last season, amassing 3440 minutes from a possible 4140, but the 31-year-old hasn’t been seen this summer.

Bartley was left out of the matchday squad in West Brom’s 2-1 win over Leyton Orient on July 4 – Semi Ajayi started alongside Dara O’Shea while Cedric Kipre partnered Caleb Taylor in the second half.

He was left out of the matchday squad in Albion’s 2-0 defeat to Stevenage on July 9 with Kipre starting alongside O’Shea. And Bartley was left out of the Baggies’ 3-0 win over Northampton Town on July 14 with O’Shea partnering Ajayi.

The 31-year-old picked up an ankle injury at the end of last season and is still recovering, but Steve Bruce gave a positive update on his situation. He said via the Express and Star: “Bartley is on the grass. I’d expect him to return to training in the next couple of days.”

It’s good timing, as Cedric Kipre is set to join Cardiff City on a season-long loan, so Bruce would be short at the back otherwise. As things stand, the Midlands outfit will go into next season with Bartley, Ajayi, O’Shea and Kean Bryan when fit, though Taylor might be considered as cover too.

In other news, Steve Bruce has decision to make when Cedric Kipre leaves