AC Milan midfielder and Italian World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso is recovering well from a serious eye disorder and will return to training earlier than expected.
The former Italy international has been out of action since the opening Serie A match against Lazio on September 9, after being diagnosed with sixth nerve palsy, a disorder which affects the movement of the eye.
It was initially feared that Gattuso would miss at least six months of action as a result, but the Serie A champions said he will return sooner than expected.
"AC Milan would like to inform that Gattuso has undergone a medical examination with specialist Emilio Campus at the Sant'Orsola hospital, in Bologna," a club statement read.
"It was evident that he has made significant progress and the player has received the definitive go-ahead to participate in training sessions with the squad."
Earlier this week, Milan's chief medical officer Dr Rodolfo Tavana confirmed that the former Rangers man was making progress in his recovery.
"His symptoms have been improving and so he has gradually been intensifying his work load and today he trained with the squad for the first time," Dr Tavana said.
"We are still keeping a close eye on the player and over the next few days we will conduct further tests."
Gattuso, 33, has been at the San Siro since 1999, when he joined the club from Salernitana.