Nonda has been out of action since August 2003

Nonda has begun light workouts with his teammates and officially rejoined the first team squad.

But the Burundi-born striker is not expected to be available to play before the end of April, which is likely to be a vital time for the club in their league campaign.

Last season's leading goal scorer in the French championnat has missed most of the current campaign because of the severe knee injury he picked up in a league match against Paris St Germain last year.

The injury left him out of Monaco's Uefa Champions League campaign, where they have reached the last eight, plus their run on their French league title, where they currently lead champions Lyon.

Nonda's absence from the Cup of Nations finals was felt by his Congolese colleagues who embarrassingly lost all three of their group matches.

The Monaco striker was replaced as captain by English-based striker Lomana LuaLua, who was sent off in their second group A match and subsequently suspended for the rest of the competition.