John Terry has admitted that he is close to making a return from a knee injury.
The Chelsea captain has been sidelined with the problem since his side's 1-1 draw with Liverpool in early November.
However, despite reports that he could be out until February, Terry has revealed that he has begun training.
"I'm doing well and just waiting for the swelling and bruising to calm down and then I can step things up," Terry wrote in the club's matchday programme.
"I'm outside doing ball work already and I can't wait to get back involved. It's just a matter of time to let things settle."
The 32-year-old has made a total of 558 appearances for the Blues.