Sutherland set to return to '24' after surgery

The clock will start ticking again for "24" when Kiefer (KEE'-fur) Sutherland returns to the set Monday after surgery that shut down filming of the Fox network thriller for two weeks.

A statement released Tuesday from Twentieth Century Fox Television says Sutherland has been cleared to return to work.

The studio says no disruption is expected in the airing schedule. The show began its eighth season last month.

Neither the studio nor Sutherland's representative has commented on the nature of Sutherland's ailment. The Los Angeles Times first reported the production halt and says Sutherland suffered from a ruptured cyst near his kidney.

Sutherland plays counterterrorism hero Jack Bauer on the series.

PHOTOS: Kiefer Sutherland through the years.