AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo could be fit in time to make his return against rivals Inter next month.
The 29-year-old suffered a broken leg back in May in a World Cup warm-up game for Italy against Republic of Ireland and was expected to be out for around five months.
Gazzetta dello Sport however reports that this recovery will take a little longer and the Derby della Madonnina on 23 November could be a more realistic target.
In three weeks the Rossoneri midfielder will have a final check-up which is expected to give him the all clear to build up his fitness and return to action in November.
The former Fiorentina man has been an important part of the Milan side for the past few seasons, having made 76 appearances in all competitions for the club.
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