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"I'll just be doing weights and strength work to begin with, but I'm on target to play in our last couple of pre-season games, and, fingers crossed, I'll be ready for the start," said Ellington.
"When I had the shoulder done there was a chance I might have had to sit out the first couple of weeks, but the doctor is really pleased with my progress, so I might get a full game in before the end of July."
The Duke had the same operation two years ago when the Latics won the Second Division Championship (now League One), and missed the start of the following season.
He said: "I missed the first three or four games then, and I didn't really get a pre-season but it will be different this time because I'm ahead of schedule.
"Last season I had to play for part of it with a shoulder strap to stop the shoulder popping out again, and although I played through the pain at times, it made me a bit more wary about going into challenges and jumping for headers with my arms out.
"It got to me a bit and in a way it ruined my season, although I was happy how it worked out with Wigan winning promotion and I finished with a good goal tally."
"I can't wait for the season to start – and I bet the fans are so excited too!"
The Duke also spoke of his desire to extend his current contract. At the moment his current deal expires at the end of the forthcoming season and Ellington wishes to stay at the Latics much longer than that.
He said: "My agent is speaking to Wigan, and I'm confident everything will be sorted out soon. I've a year left on my contract and I want to stay with Wigan."