Everton manager Ronald Koeman has claimed that Muhamed Besic is closing in on a return to action after spending the last three months on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The 24-year-old was expected to be on the treatment table for half a year after suffering anterior cruciate ligament damage during Wayne Rooney's testimonial in August.
It appears that Besic is ahead of schedule, though, as Koeman has claimed that the midfielder is edging closer to full fitness, but the Dutch boss has insisted that his player will not be rushed.
"He's progressing well," Koeman told the Liverpool Echo. "He's on his way to being back. It's a long-term injury and you need to be patient.
"But the medical staff are really happy with Mo because he has shown a really good professional attitude. That makes it easier to come back."
Besic, who joined the Merseyside outfit from Hungarian club Ferencvaros in 2014, signed a new contract until 2021 nine months ago.