Vieira on the mend

Inter coach expecting midfielder back soon

By Nadia Carminati   Last updated: 10th January 2009

Vieira on the mend

Vieira to return to training

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Inter Milan head coach Jose Mourinho is hopeful Patrick Vieira will be fit and available for their Serie A clash with Atalanta in just over a week's time.

The former Arsenal captain has been on the sidelines since the end of November with an Achilles tendon injury, but is close to returning to training.

Mourinho has confirmed the 31-year-old will return to training this weekend and will need around two weeks to build up his fitness before being available for selection.

"I think that he'll be back in training on Saturday," said Mourinho. "Patrick has been working hard during the winter break. He stopped for a few days but now he'll train again.

"I don't think he'll be able to play on Tuesday (against Genoa in the Italian Cup) but it's possible that he'll play against Atalanta (January 18)."

Angry reaction

Meanwhile, Mourinho has reacted angrily to suggestions that promising striker Mario Balotelli could be loaned out to Sampdoria over a lack of playing time.

The ex-Chelsea tactician believes Balotelli has seen enough action this season and that his brother and agent might be the instigator behind his client's reported unhappiness.

"He's a fantastic guy. For me it's not a pleasure not calling him up," he continued. "But I think in this moment he's not happy or maybe his brother is unhappy.

"I don't know if it's him who doesn't want to stay or if it's his brother who wants him to leave. I like players who think for themselves, because we should not depend too much on others.

"Mario played 13 matches, 712 minutes. He's the second forward for minutes played, after (Zlatan) Ibrahimovic. He has had opportunities."