World swimming championship Ian Thorpe trials in Brisbane.[File Photo]

Five-time Olympic gold medallist Thorpe was due back in Sydney at the end of this week to resume training with his coach Tracey Menzies, but will now stay in Los Angeles, where he's been working with US coach Dave Salo, until around the middle of next month.

Australian head coach Alan Thompson said Thorpe had told him he was happy with the progress he had made in the last three months and that his health was good.

Thorpe has not competed since February due to illness and injury, but will swim at the December world championship trials in Brisbane.

Thompson said decisions on whether Thorpe would compete in warm-up events would be left to Menzies and her star charge.

Australia's swimmers will prepare for the trials at lead-up competitions in Sydney (October 14), Brisbane (October 21-22) and Canberra (November 3-5).

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