Detroit Red Wings defenseman Mike Green appears to be over the worst of his viral infection, but there is no firm timeline for his return.

General manager Ken Holland told the Free Press on Sunday that tests performed Friday by an infectious diseases specialist show Green, “is on the backside,” of the infection.

“He’s going to take some time off, and when he feels better, we’ll get him on a bike, see how he responds,” Holland said.

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The Wings open the 2018-19 season Oct. 4, and are preparing as though Green will not be available. It is likely to mean at least two defense prospects will be on the opening night roster, and Dennis Cholowski, Libor Sulak, Filip Hronek and Joe Hicketts are the top candidates.

Green complained of fatigue during the Traverse City part of training camp, prompting blood work to be performed. Results showed a virus attacking his liver.

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Holland did not know the name of the virus, nor how Green contracted it. But the latest test indicated “he is over the worst of it,” Holland said. “Once he feels better, we’ll gradually start to push him a little bit and if his body doesn’t respond, we’ll back off and wait a few more days. It’s sort of like concussion protocol – slowly see how a player responds.

“We have no time frame for when he will rejoin the team.”

Contact Helene St. James: hstjames@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @helenestjames. Check out our Red Wings Xtra app on Apple and Android!