AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini expects to make a playing comeback in October.

"I asked for extra holiday time because I'm currently not able to train with the others," the 39-year-old explained to the Milan Channel.

"I want to return before October, but I need to take a series of careful steps towards recovery.

"At the end of August I have an appointment with a specialist and only he can tell me when I'll be ready to run.

"As soon as I can, I'll rejoin my teammates and start the real preparation."