The 22-year-old was due to captain England at the European Under-21s Championships in Sweden earlier this month, but had to withdraw with an Achilles problem.

Young striker Andy Carroll ended last season in the treatment room with an ankle injury, while Obafemi Martins underwent hernia surgery during the summer.

Hughton told the club's official website: "Steven is fine and is training with the main group.

"Andy is training, but is working on a different programme for this first week or so, as is Oba Martins. But they are out on the training pitch and certainly working hard."

PA Sport