Sunderland manager Paolo Di Canio has admitted that he is surprised by the speed of Steven Fletcher's recovery from injury.
The striker has been sidelined since March after damaging ankle ligaments while on international duty with Scotland.
Fletcher has focused on regaining his fitness over the summer, but his progress has moved along quicker than expected.
"His improvement has surprised everybody – we are happy, but more importantly he is happy and excited," Di Canio told the club's official website. "In a few weeks, maybe we can see Fletcher in action. We will keep our fingers crossed. He and the staff have done a very good job; we have handled the situation very well."
The Black Cats start their Premier League campaign on Saturday at home to Fulham.
