Gattuso back in training after eye injury

AC Milan's combative midfielder Gennaro Gattuso returned to training Monday, two months after suffering a serious eye injury.

Gattuso has been battling a nerve problem affecting his left eye and hasn't played since colliding with teammate Alessandro Nesta during the Serie A opener on September 9.

Milan said on its website that "it is too soon to talk about recovery time, but his presence on the pitch is an encouraging sign."

Gattuso was not wearing the special glasses he has been forced to use since the injury.

One of the key members of the Italy squad that won the 2006 World Cup, Gattuso retired from the national team after the Azzurri were eliminated in the first round of last year's tournament in South Africa.