West Ham United can confirm that Dean Ashton has received positive news on his left ankle injury after a "very successful" operation this week.
Ashton has been recovering well after the surgery and is in good spirits, although no date has yet been set for his return. World renowned specialist Niek van Dijk flew to London to work with the highly regarded James Calder. Van Dijk has previously operated on Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Ballack and Robin van Persie.
The England striker was pleased to get the procedure out of the way and is already focused on getting back on track with his rehab, which had been progressing well. "It was disappointing to have another operation. But it had to be done and was only a minor thing, a small problem that had to be dealt with and I am glad it is all done now," he said.
"I was also very pleased to have the two of the best ankle specialists in the room at the same time when I had the operation done. The feedback I have had from everyone has been great, so that is very good for me."
The 25-year-old, who won his first cap in the summer and then scored two goals in four league games before his injury in training, added: "Another good thing is that I have not lost any of the fitness I had gained before the operation, so I can get back to everything again soon and continue to work hard."
Ashton will be reassessed later this month before flying to Amsterdam to meet Professor Van Dijk for further examination in around four weeks. That could give a clearer indication of when he might be able to return to action.
James Calder said: "This type of procedure has been performed on a lot of top European sports professionals and it has proven very successful. It was a complicated injury but we are confident that Dean will recover well.
"The mental approach is as important as the physical and Dean is very focused in that respect. He has the right attitude to rehabilitation and is as strong in mind as he is in body. He deserves every success and I hope he is back playing for West Ham soon."
Ashton also had a word for the West Ham fans who have naturally been keen to find out how he has been progressing since his last appearance in the 3-2 defeat by West Bromwich Albion on 13 September, two days before Gianfranco Zola took charge.
"I am sure it is frustrating for them as well," he said. "When you are out this long they wonder what is wrong especially as I started the season OK. But as any player will tell you, this is what it can be like with any injury you pick up. The important thing is I am working hard and looking to be firing on all cylinders when I come back."