Steve Bruce admits that he is desperate to get Dwight Gayle back on the field as soon as possible.
Gayle is recovering from a calf injury after sustaining the blow in Nanjing initially.
However, the injury recurred at the end of the trip, Bruce said: "On the last day in China we thought he was going to be OK. Then he had a setback.
"I hope he can get fit again.
"When I analysed the squad I know he's capable of scoring a goal.
"If you are a Championship manager you'd take Dwight Gayle because he's the best striker in the Championship.
"He must be able to contribute to the Premier League too.
"I hope he will be back before Andy Carroll (September)."
Bruce revealed he held a pep talk with Gayle after a deadline day bid from West Brom for his services.
He said: "I said to the lad, when all the talk of him moving was whirring away, that I'd tried to buy him.
"I'd never been able to afford him.
"But I tried to take him wherever I have gone in the Championship."
Bruce is eager to get both Gayle and Andy Carroll back into his squad.
He said: "You are only as good as your squad.
"We have two or three injuries.
"Dwight Gayle comes to mind straight away and we have not seen him at all really.
"He's been hampered by injuries.
"That is always frustrating for him, the club and the squad.
"We are carrying four or five injuries at the moment.
"We aim to get them fit and we need the squad to be fit as the more to choose from the better.
