The World Cup was on when Albion went to Dubai last season.

Roberto De Zerbi has since highlighted that trip as a crucial part of his side’s history-making campaign.

What happens after this winter’s jaunt remains to be seen.

The warm sunshine has not healed injuries but the day when most players are back is not too far off now.

It has given time for some rest and for work on the training ground.

De Zerbi, looking tanned and refreshed himself, is hopeful it will pay off in the weeks ahead.

Albion return to action at home to Wolves, their first game in 16 days, first league outing in almost three weeks and first home fixture of 2024.

De Zerbi said: “It has been a good period for us.

“We worked not so many days, but we worked well.

“We didn’t lose any other players and that’s important.

“Last season the trip to Dubai was very important because we had time to get to know each other better and improve the style, the relationship.”

Tariq Lamptey looked lively in clips we saw from the trip and he will be part of the matchday squad tomorrow.

Igor is not ready yet but he is thought to the closest to a return with Joel Veltman and Ansu Fati not far behind.

Julio Enciso is doing some individual work out on the training pitches, running in straight lines and doing some gentle twists and turns with the ball at his feet.

Solly March worked with the group in Dubai and was in good spirits.

While nothing is set in stone in term of timetable, and there is certainly no pressure to be back by a certain date, De Zerbi is not ready yet to write off his wideman for the rest of the season.

He said: “Solly was with us in Dubai. I love Solly. I am sad for his injury.

“He is a unique player because he plays with the quality of the winger, but with the quantity of the full-back.

“Last season he started to score more goals and is a very important player.

“I hope he can be ready to play before the end of the season. I don’t know [if he can] but I would like this great news for us. We need him on the pitch, but when one player has this type of injury it’s very difficult to accept.”

Last season’s return to action was not a happy one as Albion went out of the Carabao Cup at Charlton.

But the lay-off has not been long this time – hopefully not long enough for any rhythm to be lost.

Wolves played in the FA Cup last week and come south with the target of showing they are a better side than when Albion won 4-1 at Molineux in August.

De Zerbi said: They have changed tactically, he (Gary O’Neil) is doing a great job.

“They are a good team because they have courage, they have a clear style. They are playing well, they are making points up the table and they won against important teams.”