Coventry City returned for pre-season training today six weeks ahead of the new campaign.

The Sky Blues squad – with new Italian additions Raffaele Nuzzo and Antonino Caruso – will be put through their paces at Ryton and Tiddington before embarking on a four-match tour of Germany later this month.

But it was not a full City party that reported back. Internationals Magnus Hedman, Gary Breen and new signing Youseff Chippo were given an extra four days to recover from a summer of international football.

Full back David Burrows and winger Steve Froggatt are over injuries sustained late last season but Belgian winger Laurent Delorge, who broke his leg on his debut for the club last season, has suffered a hamstring strain during summer training.

Burrows said the squad were just keen for the season to start – despite the short summer.

He said:

"It has been a short summer because we are starting early for the European Championships next summer.

"I don’t think any professional would say that they enjoy pre-season but it is the most important part of the year fitness wise. If you get a good summer behind you it sets you up for the season and if injuries do occur then you have got your base behind you and that stands you in good stead and helps you fit back in when you recover.

"I have had my own schedule because of the injury. I have been coming in and making sure my knee is okay, and it is so the work has been worthwhile.

"We have got a fit squad and people here look after themselves so the sooner we can get to playing and working on tactics the better.

"I think going to Germany is a good idea. The teams will be fit and strong and will offer more competition than we have experienced in Scotland in recent years."