Ducks winger Joffrey Lupul will miss the start of training camp and likely won't be ready for the start of the regular season because of a re-occurrence of a blood infection in his back.

Lupul said Monday that he suffered the setback one month ago and stopped training because of the discomfort. Results from blood tests showed that the infection had returned, according to the team.

Lupul will continue to take antibiotics for another four weeks and cannot do any activity during that time. He will be re-evaluated on Sept.20, about three or four days after the Ducks open camp.

Lupul said that being ready for the Ducks' regular season opener on Oct.8 is not a possibility. There is no timetable for his return.

"It's really frustrating," Lupul said. "I haven't played hockey in a long time. I was hoping to be ready on day one of camp. But now my focus has changed. I want to get rid of this. I'm very confident I can get back playing and playing well."

Lupul last played a game on Dec.8, 2009 and nine days later underwent surgery to repair a herniated disc in his back. He had a second procedure done 10 days later, and the infection was soon discovered.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray said through a team spokesman that Lupul's condition and outlook had improved.

"He's expected to make a full recovery," Murray said. "However, he will not be able to train until he's completed his cycle of antibiotics (on Sept.20). He will be re-evaluated at that point."



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