Real Madrid forward Gonzalo Higuain could make his return to first-team action before the end of the season.
The Argentina international was forced to undergo back surgery last December that was expected to keep him on the sidelines for up to four months.
However, Madrid have now revealed Higuain is making good progress in his recovery and could return to training by the end of this month.
A statement released by the Bernabeu giants read: “Higuain began a new stage in his recovery process (on Wednesday morning).
“The striker worked out on the pitch for the first time since his surgery and did ball work.
“Higuain will be subjected to diagnostic tests in the coming weeks before starting the stage in which he will gradually rejoin the squad.”
A possible return for Higuain would be a major boost for coach Jose Mourinho as Madrid look to somehow close the 10-point gap Barcelona have opened up at the top of the Primera Division.
The Portuguese is currently forced to choose from just Karim Benzema and on-loan Manchester City frontman Emmanuel Adebayor as senior strikers.
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