With surgery to repair a fracture of the fifth metatarsal scheduled for Friday in Memphis, Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol was in good spirits Wednesday and provided the most optimistic view heard yet about his pending recovery.

His stated goal is to return to the court in time for the start of the NBA regular season.

"From what I'm told, (the rehabilitation) is supposed to be 11/2 to 2 months. I want to be back and helping my team before training camp is over," Gasol said from Barcelona, where he prepared for a flight to Memphis. "I know I'm going to have to work hard on my rehab. But I'm going to do whatever it takes. That's why I'm coming back so quickly to have the surgery."

Gasol is expected to arrive in town today, and undergo surgery Friday afternoon at the Campbell Clinic.

The Griz are required to report 25 days later. Their season-opener against New York in FedExForum is 54 days removed from surgery.

"I know it won't be easy," Gasol said. "I know it's a process. But I always try to be positive. I hope to rejoin them midway through the preseason."