Jack Nicklaus expects Tiger Woods to return from his self-imposed lay-off in time for next month's US Masters.

Woods has been absent from the game since a minor car crash in November lifted the lid on a string of infidelities.

A public apology last month failed to shed any light on a prospective return date, but March 25's Arnold Palmer Invitational has been speculated about as a possible first tournament back.

That would get him back into action in time to challenge for a fifth Masters title at Augusta from April 8, which Nicklaus expects he will do.

The 71-year-old, quoted in the Mail on Sunday, said of Woods' return date: "I've been very non-committal because it's none of my business.

"But my guess as a golfer is he's going to try to play the Masters. It would surprise me if he didn't. I suspect he will play something before Augusta too."

If 35-year-old Woods is not back by the Bay Hill Event, that only leaves April 1's Shell Houston Open in Texas before the year's first major tees off.

European number one Ian Poulter also expects the world number one to be in the Masters field, and added: "I believe Tiger might play at Augusta. He's been practising and hitting balls for some time.

"The Masters is still six weeks away and I haven't spoken to him myself, but I know some players have and they think he could be close to coming back."