Fulham have received a double boost over the injury of their Ghanaian defender John Paintsil after doctors confirmed that he will be out of action for only six weeks.
The popular right-back will also not require surgery to fully recover from the knee setback.
Coach Roy Hodgson feared that his most reliable right-back could miss the rest of the season because of last week's injury.
But doctors have now confirmed that he will only need treatment for six weeks to enable him return to action.
"It looked bad and I feared for the worse so to be told I am out for six weeks puts my mind at ease now," Paintsil said.
"I will hit the treatment room straight away and hopefully will return fully fit and ready to contribute to the final weeks of the season."
The news from the doctors means Paintsil will return to action for the club by the middle of next month.
His availability will be a boost for Ghana ahead of their participation in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Paintsil suffered a cruciate knee injury in last week's derby defeat to Chelsea.
The Fulham full-back twisted his knee during the Cottagers' 2-1 defeat to Chelsea on Monday and will not face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
He was forced to withdraw from Ghana's African Cup of Nations squad through the injury.
Paintsil admits he is bitterly disappointed to miss out on the prestigious tournament, especially as he feels Ghana are among the favourites to land the crown.