Todd could be training 'in weeks'

Todd hopes to start training in a fortnight if doctors allow it

Torquay United defender Chris Todd could be back in action within a month after reacting well to his treatment for acute myeloid leukaemia.

Todd, 27, announced last month that he had been diagnosed with the illness after an operation on his groin.

It was unclear then how long Todd would be out for, but his white blood cell count is almost down to normal levels.

"I may be able to resume full-contact training in the next couple of weeks," Todd wrote in his BBC Devon column.

Todd's count of aggressive white blood cells has dropped from 146 to 10.5 in the past three weeks as his course of treatment on the chemotherapy tablets Glivek has taken effect.

"When the doctor told me the news I had a shiver down my spine. I hope that if it all goes well I might be able to start playing in the next month," Todd added.

The Welshman has been unable to take part in contact training since his diagnosis for fear of damaging his spleen.

Leukaemia causes the organ to expand and any knock he gets in training could damage it.

Todd is currently suffering from water retention in his legs and is planning to take a couple of weeks off training over Christmas to try to get over it.