Ghana midfielder Kevin Prince Boateng is expected to play a key role for AC Milan from next week as his thigh injury is not serious.
The enforcer is will make a quicker-than-expected recovery from the hamstring injury.
The German-born star suffered a tear during their mid-season tour of Dubai at the weekend which promoted fears of a pronlonged absence.
But after arriving early for treatment in Milan, club doctors say the injury is not as serious as initially feared.
It has now been confirmed that the injury is a minor groin problem.
"Boateng's injury is a slight groin problem which should not trouble him," AC Milan said in a statement,
An early return by Boateng would be a massive boost for the Serie A side as they try to win the title.