Shanghai Shenhua striker Demba Ba has a good chance of returning to football, according to the surgeon set to operate on him following his serious leg injury.
Former Chelsea and Newcastle player Ba suffered a horrific leg break in the Chinese Super on Sunday, and Shanghai Shenhua coach Gregorio Manzano has since said he is concerned he may not recover.
The Senegal international has no intention of retiring early from football, and French orthopaedic surgeon Olivier Bringer is optimistic he will play again.
Ahead of Saturday's surgery, Bringer told Shanghai Daily: "I'm sure he will be able to recover and play football again.
"In a few months, he will have the possibility of making a comeback. He is a tough guy and I'm sure he will be able to get over this."
Regarding the procedure, Bringer added: "We are used to such surgeries. My team's done it many times in France."