Indian cricket team's former physio Andrew Leipus said Sachin Tendulkar's [Images] arm is healing very well but the batsman, who underwent surgery for an elbow injury recently, would have to work hard to attain match fitness.

"The arm is looking like it is healing very well," said Leipus, who is here as a consultant to NCA for a brief period. He had met Tendulkar in Mumbai before coming to the city.

"He still has lots of work to do. The pain is gone now, but that's not the end of the rehabilitation."

Leipus said Tendulkar's arm had thinned down due to muscle loss and it needed to be built again. "I am looking forward to seeing him when he comes down here," he said.

On whether Tendulkar should use a lighter bat, he said it was not an issue at all.

"His body has been on a low for some years. That will take some time. I think he will be better than what he has been for the last few years and mentally, he will be more stronger now," Leipus said.