Christian Eriksen is ahead of schedule and could be back in action for Manchester United in just ten days.
The Denmark midfielder, 31, was expected to be out until May with an ankle injury.
But he has returned to training and there is optimism around the club that he could be available soon.
While Eriksen is expected to miss United's next two league games away to Newcastle and at home to Brentford a place on the bench for the visit of Everton on April 8 is now on the radar.
Speaking during the international break Eriksen said: It is going well. I have just started being outside with football boots on.
And then we take it from there, that is the next step. I have been in the gym for some weeks now and now it is time to do the next rehab session outside."
