Crocked Panathinaikos midfielder Michael Essien is expected to be available at the end of the week, fresh reports in Greece emerged on Wednesday.
Essien, 32, has not played competitive football since he joined the Greek giants from AC Milan in the summer.
The Ghana international has struggled with recurrent injuries which has kept him out of action.
It had been widely reported that Panathinaikos officials were considering terminating his contract due to the prolonged injury setback.
But fresh reports are emerging that the former Chelsea star should be available this weekend after making steady progress in the treatment room.
The box-to-box midfielder could be available for new coach Andrea Stramaccioni ahead of Panathinaikos Greek Super League game against Olympiakos Piraeus on November 21.