Red Issue sources suggest that after recent behind the scenes revelations, Rio will be sold in January. Despite that he is making the right noises about his return to action which could come as soon as Monday;
"There is definitely a debt of honour to repay the boss and I intend to repay him by putting in top-class performances. I've been doing extra training and have probably worked harder than I did when I was playing because you are not keeping back energy for games.
"I have been training harder than ever so that when I do return, I can hit the ground running. I really started training with a purpose when we came back for pre-season.
"The club brought in a new fitness coach, Valter di Salvo, and because I have not been playing he has been running me into the ground. He has worked at Lazio and Real Madrid so he has worked with the best - and we all feel comfortable and confident in what we are doing.
"The training will hopefully pay off later in the season - now I just can't wait to start playing again.”