Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher admitted he is likely to miss the beginning of the new English Premier League season as he continues his rehabilitation from a bowel surgery.
Fletcher has missed large chunks of the last couple of seasons due to ulcerative colitis, but expects to come back stronger after undergoing an operation.
However, the 29-year-old admitted he would most probably miss the start of the new season, but expects to come back soon.
"Hopefully (I can come back) not too long after the start of the season," he told BBC Radio Five. "I think I will just miss the beginning of the season."
Fletcher revealed he has been struggling with the problem for the past five years, with it intensifying over the last three leading to the inevitable surgery.
"I've had it for five years but really struggled to control it for the last three years," he said. "It's had a big impact on my day-to-day life, never mind trying to play football.
"Medication wasn't helping me but surgery was the only solution if I wanted to have not only a future playing football but even a quality of life going forward.
"It's all going well. I am still under the hands of the medical team just now, and the surgeon who is looking after me. Everything is going to plan so far and I am not that far away now.
"I am doing exercise on my own. I've not been given the green light to join in contact in football training but I am doing my own running and physical activities and feel great.
"Hopefully, in the next few weeks I am going to get the green light to join in and to start making the comeback, which is looking very good."
Meanwhile, United youngster Jesse Lingard said he is hopeful of breaking into the first team this season after impressing in the club's 5-1 preseason friendly win over A-League All Stars.
Lingard wants to emulate the likes of Danny Welbeck and Tom Cleverley, who have established themselves in the first team after coming through the ranks at the club.
"This is the hardest club side in the world to break in at, normally they send you out on loan and then you have to come back and bide your time," the 20-year-old midfielder said.
"Hopefully I can come straight through. I believe in myself and I've got to start to believe in myself more day in and day out.
"I've known Danny and Tom since they were young as well and they were at United at my age and they've pushed on and progressed.
"Hopefully I can follow their footsteps. I'm trying to integrate myself into the first team very slowly. I'm maturing now and it's coming together so it's good."
