The Nigeria international has been sidelined with a serious Achilles injury since last November.

However, Yakubu is confident of being fit for the new season after confirming his summer training is progressing well.

"It is so difficult to not kick a ball for almost seven months. It has been frustrating," he told Sky Sports News.

"You just need to be patient and wait for the time to come. I am just so pleased to be back, to start training again and kicking a ball again.

"The training has been good, there has been no reaction or pain. Everything is good, but I have to take it one step at a time.

"Hopefully I will be back to join the team in pre-season."