England star Jason Robinson is recovering well from the knee and ankle operations he underwent last week and is hoping to be back in action 'a lot sooner than expected'.
The Sale Sharks captain required the double surgery after returning from the British & Irish Lions tour of New Zealand, and was expected to miss the start of the new Premiership season.
But the 30-year-old is having daily physiotherapy and is now walking without crutches.
He told official club website www.salesharks.com: The operations went well and the corrective surgery that was necessary was completed quickly.
''I am looking forward to getting back into full-time training and if all goes well, I may be available a lot sooner than expected.