Napoli fullback Faouzi Ghoulam is expected to be back in action in six weeks' time.

Goulam wasn't due to play again until mid-October after suffering a serious knee injury.

“I heard from doctor (Pier Paolo) Mariani after the check-up and he said everything is going very well, and that we can intensify the program if we want to," Alfonso De Nicola told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“There will be a new check-up next month to give the Coach the right to use him, then of course the lad needs to find top physical condition and that could take time.

“It'll be at least six weeks before he can work with the group, but if he does well in his physical preparation he could even be available to be called-up."