Portugal international steps up rehab following recent surgery
SILVESTRE Varela has finally resumed full training - but Alan Irvine has admitted he probably won't be ready for Premier League action until late November.The winger, who is on a season-long loan from Porto, underwent surgery on a minor groin problem recently.
Irvine, today speaking to the media ahead of Saturday's game at Leicester, claims it's the start of an intense few weeks for the player.
On the subject of Varela, Irvine said:
"Today was his first full session since coming back from injury so I'm really pleased about that but he's obviously a long way away from being ready to play in the Premier League.
"He will need time. He is one who, during the international break, we will try to top up. I wouldn't have thought there is any chance (of him playing) before then.
"Porto have been happy for him to stay here - they've been involved with the decisions we've made - and he's a lovely lad, he's good to have around the place and, without knowing him too well, he is desperate to get out there and start playing.
"We hope he can have an impact. We brought him in to have an impact but because of his circumstances he didn't travel with Porto. They trained a lot over here, played a lot and he missed out on that because he was in dispute with them.
"It's not the same when you're training on your own so it has been difficult for him because he wasn't quite ready he picked up an injury, which was another worry."
On Saturday's game at Leicester:
"It will be a really tough game. Nigel Pearson has got his team very well organised.
"They defend well, press well, they have pace, people who can go past people so it's tough.
"Nigel has done a great job. He got them promotion and they've had a good start.
"I remember Nigel as a player. We first had contact when he was working for the FA as a coach and he lived in Sheffield when I was there with Wednesday. You hit it off with certain people and I always felt Nigel was a nice person and he has developed into a very good coach and a very good manager."