HARRY Chapman is being encouraged to focus on his injury recovery as the FA betting charge hangs over him.

The City midfielder is making progress following his hamstring operation at the end of April.

Mark Hughes predicts he is still “two or three months” off a full return.

In the meantime, Chapman has until Thursday to respond to the charge of an alleged historic breach of FA betting rules - which was said to have taken place in 2017 when he was playing for Blackburn.

City have said that the 25-year-old has the club’s full support - and Hughes hopes Chapman’s fightback from the injury that ruled him out of the end of last season will help to concentrate his thoughts.

Hughes said: “I’ve obviously sat down with him on a couple of occasions since the situation reared its head.

“We’ve all had a view on it and we’ll support Chappy in terms of whatever progresses.

“We just needed him to be clear in his own mind that obviously he must be aware of the situation. But we’ll try and support him as much as we can.

“He’s progressing with his recovery and that can occupy his mind during this time.”

Chapman suffered the injury in City’s defeat at Swindon in April. He went under the knife the same day that they beat Northampton - ruling him out of any involvement in the play-offs.

It is a long road back but the recovery has been going to plan.

Hughes added: “He spoke with the surgeon last week and they are pleased with the progress he’s made.

“We’re going to try and up the intensity of his work to make sure he’s on track and is going to hit his targets.

“He’s in a decent enough place in terms of his fitness.

“I don’t want to say a hard and fast date (when he can return). But he’s nine weeks since the operation so he’s probably got another two or three months.

“He’s progressing at the right rate, which is the main thing.”

Chapman was charged last week with a breach of FA rule E8(1)(b) which prevents those involved in the game betting directly or indirectly on the outcomes of matches, competitions or any other matters related to global football such as transfers, managerial appointments and sackings, team selections and disciplinary matters.

A club statement said that Chapman will continue to train with his team-mates as normal throughout pre-season until further notice.