Napoli striker Cristiano Lucarelli is in line for an amazing return from knee surgery.

Lucarelli is back in the Napoli squad for the first time since he underwent knee surgery in September after a remarkable recovery.

There were fears the striker's career could be over when he tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee against Utrecht on September 16.

Lucarelli was expected to be out of action for five to six months, but has rocketed through treatment ahead of schedule.

He is in the squad for today's game with Lecce, one of his former clubs.