Fiorentina: 'Mario Gomez back in three weeks'

Fiorentina medical staff have denied reports that Mario Gomez will take longer than expected to return from a knee injury, putting a timeline on his comeback at around three weeks.

Gomez suffered a partial rupture of his knee ligament during a Serie A clash with Cagliari last month, with an initial prognosis ruling the German international out for six to seven weeks.

La Viola have decided to release an update on Gomez's progress, insisting that he is on target to return at the start of November.

Club doctor Paolo Manetti told La Viola's official website: "There have been numerous news stories predicting variable recovery times for Gomez. We confirm the original estimate of six to seven weeks.

"His recovery is going very well and today Mario had a double check-up with both our consultant and in Munich. The tear has healed, so now it is a matter of slowly starting specific training without putting too much stress on the area.

"He won't be able to work on the pitch just yet, as that will be possible next week. He should be fully recovered to resume playing in around three weeks."

The 28-year-old had made an encouraging start to life in Serie A following his summer switch from Bayern Munich, scoring twice in three appearances before being sidelined by injury.