Swimming: Thorpe suffers health setback

Ian Thorpe. Photo / Getty Images

Swim great Ian Thorpe has suffered a minor health setback just three weeks out from his racing comeback but looks certain to be fit for the World Cup meet in Singapore.

Thorpe, who turned 29 last week, was struck down by a chest infection last week as he prepares for the November 4-5 short course meet, his first competitive swim as he targets an appearance at next year's London Olympics.

The five-time Olympic gold medallist will see a doctor as a precaution but his manager Dave Flaskas said he'd be fine to make his comeback.

"He was affected for just a couple of days last week but he's back in the water,'' Flaskas told AAP.

"I spoke to him last night (Sunday night) and he's much better and I don't think there's any doubts or any concerns.

"He's pretty relaxed about it so I'm sure there's no problem.

"... I think it's just typical swimmers, when they start tapering they often get a bit crook.''

The Singapore meet will be the world's first look at Thorpe in racing action since the 2006 Commonwealth Games trials.

While he announced his comeback in February and has been training under Gennadi Touretski in Switzerland, anti-doping protocols meant he could not make his competitive return for nine months.

Thorpe will also compete in World Cup meets in Tokyo and Beijing next month and Flaskas revealed the swimmer was both anxious and excited about his return.

"He's looking forward to it ... he said every now and then he gets a bit nervous but he's looking forward to being part of the team and and looking forward to racing,'' Flaskas said.

"First up he's not expecting miracles and it's been a long time since he's been in a race environment, but it's exciting.

"The competitive juices are definitely there.''

- AAP