Popular Melbourne trainer John Sadler has revealed he has been battling depression but says he is recovering and expects to be back at work soon.

Sadler said he had received treatment over the past three months to help him tackle the illness.

In his absence from Malua Racing, general manager Troy Corstens has looked after the operation at Flemington and will continue to train a team of his own, side by side with Sadler.

In a statement issued by Malua Racing detailing Sadler's illness, the trainer thanked the stable's supporters and said he was looking forward to his return.

"I am looking forward to getting back to Malua in the next couple of weeks and getting back to full strength in the near future," Sadler said.

"In looking to the future Troy has found he has enjoyed being a trainer and with his experience with his dad and more recently with me he is keen to have a crack under the Malua brand as a trainer in his own right.

"I will continue to train my team but Troy will develop his own stable and there will be two trainers under the Malua banner in the near future."

Corstens, the son of veteran trainer Leon Corstens, and Sadler set up Malua Racing in December 2010.

Sadler's most recent Group One winner was Linton in last year's Stradbroke Handicap.

* Readers seeking support and information about depression can contact www.beyondblue.org.au.