A number of press reports this morning had claimed that he was facing two months on the sidelines, but a scan on the injury revealed only “minimal damage”.
Lee Bowyer’s medical tests have proved to be less conclusive though and he has been told to rest before making another visit to a specialist later in the week, as he bids to overcome a hip injury.
Meanwhile, Craig Bellamy is on track to return in February after his knee operation and is expected to start light training again in two to three weeks’ time.