Gera hopes to be fit for opener

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7 July 2012-PA Sport

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

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The Hungarian international was initially sidelined after ankle surgery and then ruptured his cruciate knee ligaments during the clash with Tottenham Hotspur 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 18 August.

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

"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 per cent 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.