The Canaries manager revealed the French defender is unlikely to be fit for the start of the Premier League campaign, but says fellow defender Michael Turner could be back in time

Chris Hughton has admitted that Norwich City defender Sebastien Bassong is unlikely to be available for the start of the new Premier League season.

The Frenchman missed the end of the last campaign with a knee injury and has yet to fully recover, making him a doubt for Norwich's opening Premier League clash with Everton.

The 27-year-old made 35 appearances last season but missed the club's United States tour and was not involved in their friendly with Brighton on Tuesday, though Michael Turner's prognosis is more encouraging despite also missing pre-season with a groin injury.

"We're hoping Michael will be involved possibly Friday (against Braga)," Hughton told the club's official website. "But he's closer than Seb who is a week to two-and-a-half weeks behind him.

"Of course it's disappointing that we haven't had them available at the beginning of pre-season."

Another player missing from Norwich's 1-1 friendly with Brighton was midfielder Robert Snodgrass, but Hughton explained the Scotland international would be involved in their next friendly.

"He (Snodgrass) didn't feature because of a personal family issue but he will be back with us hopefully and be involved with us on Friday - we look forward to seeing him," he added.