PAUL Scharner is a major doubt for this weekend’s visit of Sunderland – but Chris Brunt is edging closer to full fitness.

It was mixed news for Albion boss Roy Hodgson, who prepares for his first game at The Hawthorns since the 5-1 thrashing of Wolves.

Scharner will struggle to make Saturday’s game against Martin O’Neill’s men.

The Austrian took a whack to his chest during the derby game at Molineux and, despite making progress, remains in discomfort.

On a brighter note, club captain Brunt is making good progress in his return from a broken foot with Hodgson confident the Northern Ireland man will resume training later this week.

But Hodgson is unwilling to predict when Brunt will finally make a full return to the first team.

And there have been no further setbacks regarding Shane Long, who is back training fully.

“Paul Scharner is injured, he’s still recovering with the rib problem from the Wolves game,” said Hodgson.

“It’s painful and he’s getting better. How long it’ll take, I don’t know.

“Chris Brunt should be back later this week.

“When will he be ready to play? It’s too early to say.