Milner reveals fitness plan - and reasons why Albion can improve on last season

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James Milner has highlighted two players who show why Albion can improve next season.

The former England midfielder is playing his part in training after his injury-wrecked 2024-25 campaign.

Albion topped the injury list last season and Milner says a cleaner bill of health can help them better last term's eight spot.

He also highlighted how newcomers to the Prem last summer can benefit from their debut season.

And he believes the late-season form shown by Brajan Gruda and Mats Wieffer underlines that.

Milner said: "I don't think injuries were ever used as an excuse.

"If you look at the data, it was a difficult season for us.

"Players coming from different leagues, new manager, different intensity in training, things like that.

"The season was a solid one when you take that into account.

"You look at how someone like Gruda finished and Mats Wieffer finished the season so strong.

"They took time to adapt, which is completely normal for players coming over and getting used to the Premier League and a new club.

"I've done it within England and moving clubs is not easy.

"So for these boys coming over and learning a new culture, learning a new league, but you saw their quality at the end of the season coming through.

"I'm excited for these guys this season and the other signings we have made.

"I think it's an exciting time for the club, another exciting season.

"Obviously the manager has had another season under his belt.

"He will have taken a lot from being in the Premier League last season and I think we are in a good place at this point in pre-season."

Wieffer really emerged late in the campaign when he used his various qualities in an adaptation of the right-back role.

He was on board by this time last year but his pre-season was disrupted by ongoing injury concerns.

Gruda did not sign until late in the summer and struggled to take his first chances in the side, when used wide on the right.

He revelled late in the campaign as a No.10, notably with a goal at Wolves and his performance in the win at home to Liverpool.

Milner was a central figure last pre-season, captaining the side through friendlies including the trip to Japan.

But, after starting over Everton and Manchester United, his part in the Prem campaign was limited to offering advice off the pitch to Hurzeler and players.

The 39-year-old is currently following a modified fitness programme, not taking part in every session, which is designed to get him back out on the Premier League pitches in coming season.

He said: "It's very early but so far the boys have looked strong.

"The tempo is very good and it's a different feel to last year where you are learning a new style of play and the manager is getting his ideas over.

"This year we are just topping up those ideas, refreshing those and adding things to it."

"I'm not 100% quite yet but I have been training hard in the off-season. Nine months out is a long time out.

"I have been working hard over the summer, come back in the best possible shape I can and I have been doing football sessions in the summer as well.

"All the things that happened in the past year or so. I am feeling quite good to be fair."