Boston Celtics coach Brad Stevens has insisted that Rajon Rondo will have the final say on when he is available to return to action.

The point guard has been sidelined with an ACL injury since last season, but is expected to make his comeback in January.

"I don't see how it could be anything else," Stevens told reporters, according to Celticsblog.com.

"Ultimately a person has to be ready and he has to feel good. But nobody should make that call except for the individual involved."

The Celtics have coped well in Rondo's absence, and they sit in fourth spot in the Eastern Conference with a 12-14 record.