Former Birmingham and West Ham winger Stan Lazaridis has finally been cleared to make his comeback in November after a 12-month drug ban, but he's still forbidden from training with his club Perth Glory in the A-League.

Nor can he take part in any of Western Australia's local leagues or, incredibly, even watch his teammates in action.

The 35-year-old ex-Socceroo remains in footballing limbo even though an Australian anti-doping tribunal gave him the shortest possible suspension - 12 months - after he tested positive for a banned substance he'd been prescribed for hair loss last year.

'It's a ridiculous situation and very unfair for a team sport player,' a Perth Glory insider said.

'Stan isn't a track and field athlete who can easily train by himself. He needs to be with his teammates.'