The trial of Michael Jackson’s doctor, accused of involuntary manslaughter in the pop star’s death, will begin September 26 in Los Angeles, a judge said.

Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor said jury selection will begin on September 8 with the distribution of a questionnaire to pre-selected jurors.

“That is still the go-date,” he said of the late September start date. “I want to keep a short leash on this case.”

Conrad Murray, the last doctor to treat Michael Jackson, is on trial for involuntary homicide in the King of Pop’s death on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50 after an overdose of the anesthesia propofol, which the singer used as a sleeping aid.

In late July, Judge Pastor barred the use of a video in court that showed the star rehearsing days before his death and his anticipated return to the global music scene.

One of Dr Murray’s lawyers, J. Michael Flanagan, said the singer was “very talented... even on his bad days”, and said the footage would not be a fair representation of his condition in the days preceding his death. The trial was originally scheduled to begin May 9, but was pushed back at the defence’s request after they asked for time to develop cross-examinations for new witnesses from the prosecution.

Prosecutors say Michael Jackson died from an overdose of the powerful sedative propofol, which Dr Murray was in charge of administering to help alleviate the star’s insomnia. Dr Murray’s defence is expected to argue that the singer gave himself an excessive dose of the drug while the doctor was out of the room at the singer’s mansion in the affluent Holmby Hills neighbourhood west of Los Angeles.

If found guilty, Dr Murray could face up to four years in prison.