Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas hopes to return to action "earlier than expected" as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.
It was feared the Spaniard would be out of action until April after suffering ligament damage in a 50-50 tackle with Liverpool's Xabi Alonso on December 21.
But the 21-year-old believes things are progressing well.
"My leg is getting stronger. The doctors tell me the ligament has healed," Fabregas said.
Fabregas's rehabilitation is being conducted under the guidance of a specialist in Barcelona.
"Now it is about building up the muscle, and I have had a very little jog for the first time," he wrote in his programme notes ahead of Saturday's Premier League match against West Ham.
"So it is good news and I am happy because I can see a big improvement.
"I will take it step by step, but hopefully I can come back earlier than first expected. However, let's wait and see."
Fabregas added: "I will be coming back to England in two weeks' time, and after being assessed by the physios, we will set a target date for my return."
The news will have come as a welcome boost to Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has other long-term absentees Eduardo, Theo Walcott and Tomas Rosicky all building towards first-team returns before the end of the season.
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