O'Connell set for January return say Toulon
"Going by the medical files we have today, which have been seen by the club medical staff, he should be 100 per cent operational and ready to play by mid-January at the latest, if there aren't any complications during his rehabilitation," Boudjellal said.
On Monday, O'Connell, who underwent surgery after injuring his hamstring during Ireland's 25-9 pool-stage victory over France in Cardiff at the World Cup last month, had made a "very approximate" estimation that the injury could keep him out for the entire season.
The former Munster player will continue his rehabilitation with Toulon in December, having signed a one-year deal with an option for an extra year with the Top 14 side that signalled the end of his 108-cap international career.
Toulon are assessing the possibility of bringing a player in to cover for O'Connell's absence, as well as a replacement for Wales fullback Leigh Halfpenny, who tore right knee ligaments before the start of the World Cup.
The reigning three-time European champions are expected to have off-season recruit, South African No.8 Duane Vermeulen available for next weekend's Champions Cup opener against Bath, while All Blacks World Cup-winning centre Ma'a Nonu is due to join up with his new teammates later in the month.
Agence France-Presse
