Brentford striker Farid El Alagui sustained a serious knee injury during the npower League One clash against Crawley Town in early October.
"Following his significant knee injury sustained in early October, Farid was reviewed this week by the orthopaedic specialist managing his case," said Neil.
"The purpose of this meeting was to assess whether the knee has stabilised sufficiently in the past six weeks to enable Farid to progress without the need for surgery.
"The outcome of this meeting was positive in that the specialist was satisfied with Farid's progress and has cleared him to increase the intensity of his rehabilitation, without the the need for surgery at this stage.
"Given this positive meeting, Farid will now commence, what is anticipated to be, a period in the region of four to five months of rehabilitation.
"The decision that Farid and our medical staff took to allow the knee a six week period to stabilise was based mainly on the experience of one of the world's leading specialists in this particular condition.
"We were also aware that early surgery in such cases would definitely lead to Farid being absent from football for a minimum of nine months.
"Farid has demonstrated in the past six weeks that he is totally committed to his full recovery from this setback.
"Given his exemplary attitude I have no doubt that Farid will go the extra mile to ensure that he returns a fitter, stronger player for Brentford Football Club."