Brazilian striker Ronaldo [Images] is set to return inside a month from the knee injury that has sidelined him since February, his physio Bruno Mazziotti said on Monday.

Ronaldo, who is without a club, has been undergoing a rehabilitation programme at Brazilian team Flamengo since August.

"The prediction depends on a number of factors but we think that, within one month or maybe less, he will be able to play again," Mazziotti told the Sportv cable channel.

"He is in the final stage of the recovery and, from this week, he will be able to train with the Flamengo team as if he were just another player."

Ronaldo, who helped Brazil [Images] to their World Cup triumph in 2002, ruptured a tendon in his left knee during a Serie A game for AC Milan against Livorno.

The problem was similar to two injuries he sustained to his right knee earlier in his career.

Last month Ronaldo told the French sports daily L'Equipe he had been involved in talks with English Premier League Manchester City.

Before the injury Ronaldo had been struggling to find his best form.

He has not played for Brazil since the 2006 World Cup when, despite scoring three goals, his performances were widely criticised and he was accused by the media of being overweight.

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