Roy Keane could be back in action for Manchester United within days of his Football Association disciplinary hearing.
He is recovering from a hip operation, but is also suspended following his sending off against Sunderland.
Initially, Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson suggested Keane could be missing for three months after undergoing surgery to clear up a long-standing problem.
However, after taking advice from Arsenal, where Freddie Ljungberg underwent the same operation, Ferguson is hoping his captain will be fit within a month.
And, if that is the case, Keane could make a comeback for the Champions League trip to Olympiakos on October 23, eight days after the Irishman's date with the FA disciplinary committee when he will contest two disrepute charges.
"Our medical staff have spoken to the Arsenal people who looked after Freddie Ljungberg when he had the same operation," said Ferguson.
"I can't tell you what stage of his recovery Roy is at because we have no previous experience of the problem. But he is looking fine, walking without any problem and is doing upper body work in the gym.
"I would hope that we would have him back in another month."
He is recovering from a hip operation, but is also suspended following his sending off against Sunderland.
Initially, Old Trafford boss Sir Alex Ferguson suggested Keane could be missing for three months after undergoing surgery to clear up a long-standing problem.
However, after taking advice from Arsenal, where Freddie Ljungberg underwent the same operation, Ferguson is hoping his captain will be fit within a month.
And, if that is the case, Keane could make a comeback for the Champions League trip to Olympiakos on October 23, eight days after the Irishman's date with the FA disciplinary committee when he will contest two disrepute charges.
"Our medical staff have spoken to the Arsenal people who looked after Freddie Ljungberg when he had the same operation," said Ferguson.
"I can't tell you what stage of his recovery Roy is at because we have no previous experience of the problem. But he is looking fine, walking without any problem and is doing upper body work in the gym.
"I would hope that we would have him back in another month."