SOUTHEND United midfielder Michael Timlin hopes to be back in business in a month’s time.

Timlin has been out since the start of the season after dislocating his elbow in a warm up match against Tottenham Hotspur.

But he will visit a specialist again next Monday and soon hopes to be able to return to League Town.

“I see a specialist on September 15th and that will be the eight week period from when it happened,” confirmed Timlin.

“They have said it will be another month to make sure the arm is strong enough so it is looking like mid to late October.

“But I’m hoping that once I have the brace off it will only be a couple of weeks.”

Timlin has made quicker than expected recoveries in the past, from both a shoulder problem and a broken leg.

And he hopes to do the same this time around.

“I seem to be able to come back quicker than expected so hopefully it has healed well, I feel good when the brace comes off, and I can really kick on in training,” said Timlin, 29.

“It has been very frustrating not to be involved at the start of the season but everyone knows I deal with that frustration easier now after the type of injuries I’ve had in the past and the duration of them.”

Timlin is also working hard on trying to maintain his fitness.

And more ball work has now been included in his rehabilitation programme.

“I’m doing more work outside now on the ball and doing running with the fitness coaches,” said Timlin.

“Ben (Clarkson, Head Physio) is happy with how everything has gone so far and over the last couple of days I’ve taken some part in training as a floater and I’ll continue progressing until the brace comes off.

“I can’t wait to be back involved, it’s always disappointing to be watching from the sidelines but I’ve every confidence in the squad we’ve got here and that we can have a good season.”