England all-rounder Andrew Flintoff says he is recovering well from his knee operation and is well on course for a comeback. But he is unlikely to make it to England's tour to Bangladesh early next year.

 

Flintoff, 31, said, "My recovery is still on track. But I must admit that saying I would be fit to play in Bangladesh may have been a touch optimistic on my part."

 

England's tour of Bangladesh commences on February 28 with three ODIs and two tests.

 

Flintoff rejected an incremental deal offer from England to follow other short-term opportunities but promised to be available for their one-day matches.

 

If he does not recover in time for the Bangladesh ODIs, his next chance may come in 2010 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, which will be played from March 12 to April 25.

 

His next chance to recommence his international career would be at the ICC World Twenty20, which starts almost immediately after the IPL final and before England's ODIs against Scotland, Australia and Pakistan.

 

Last year, Flintoff signed a record 1.55 million dollar deal to play for the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. He underwent surgery in August after helping England reclaim the Ashes.

 

"I know I'm not in the clear yet and there is still a lot of hard work to be done, but so far, so good and it is very good news because if he'd said he was disappointed with my progress I'd have been devastated," said Flintoff.