Greek giants Panathinaikos have expressed satisfaction with Michael Essien’s progress in the treatment room.

The 32-year-old Ghana midfielder underwent surgery last month and yet to be declared match-fit.

Essien will be ready for full-scale training on Thursday when the team would have returned from Spain after playing Sociedad in a friendly.

He has been ruled out of this month’s Europa League play-off tie against Azerbaijan side FK Qabala.

The Greens expect the former Chelsea and Real Madrid player to be fit for the start of the Super League.