Andrea Orlandi has admitted he needs to build his fitness during the international break.

But the Albion star has fingers crossed his mysterious knee problems are over.

Orlandi impressed as a half-time substitute against Millwall at The Amex.

It was his first outing since suffering pain three minutes into the Championship opener at Leeds.

He is now building his fitness for trips to Reading and QPR after being told he does not need an operation.

Orlandi said: “The plan is for the next two weeks to do some extra work and try to get fitter.

“We had a scan and it showed meniscus damage but I had an operation less than five years ago and the specialist said the damage shown comes from that.

“It's uncomfortable for me but we really don't know what is happening there.

“I need to see if I can work, get stronger in my leg and just cope with it.”

Head coach Oscar Garcia told The Argus last night: “Andrea is training but he still has some discomfort.

"For now he hasn’t had to stop, he is still training with us.

“But it is a concern whenever a player is not 100%.”

Orlandi reckons close-season upheaval has affected Albion's performances so far this season.

But he is happy they are on the right lines.

He added: “I think we should be happy.

“It has been a difficult summer for everyone.

“We started with three losses but the team was playing well, I think.

“We played with some young lads as well."