Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is reportedly on course to return to full-time training within a month.
The 20-year-old England international has not made an appearance for club or country since June 2011 because of knee and ankle injuries.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger said last month that Wilshere would not be fit until October at the earliest.
However, according to The Mirror, Wenger's comments were simply an attempt to relieve pressure on the player.
The newspaper also claims that the Frenchman is so confident that Wilshere will return ahead of schedule that he does not intend to sign a replacement for recently-departed midfielder Alex Song.
Wilshere has been allocated the number 10 squad number at the Emirates Stadium following the sale of Robin van Persie to Manchester United.
