Sunderland winger Adam Johnson is expected to return to the first-team squad before the end of September.
Earlier this week, it was announced that the 28-year-old would be absent for two months after sustaining a serious shoulder injury in training.
However, boss Dick Advocaat has revealed that the former Manchester City midfielder could be back in action within "three to four weeks".
Johnson played the full 90 minutes as Sunderland suffered a 4-2 defeat to Leicester City on the opening day of the season.
