Nosworthy has been with Sunderland since June 2005
Sunderland defender Nyron Nosworthy is hopeful of returning to full fitness in time for the Wearsiders' Premier League trip to Arsenal in a weeks time.
Nosworthy, 28, picked up a hamstring injury in the 2-1 defeat by Aston Villa in January but revealed the rehabilitation work is going well.
"Hopefully I'll be back for the Arsenal game," he told BBC Radio Newcastle.
"Everything's going to plan. I'm outside running now, doing a bit of ball work and back in light training."
Sunderland manager Ricky Sbragia has strengthened his defensive options with the signings of West Ham United centre-back Calum Davenport and Manchester City defender Tal Ben-Haim.
Along with Danny Collins and Anton Ferdinand, there is competition for places at the heart of the defence but for Nosworthy their presence is more motivation to return from injury and stake his place in the side.
"Competition is always the best policy, it gets the best out of the players and everyone works harder," he said.
"Calum Davenport and Tal Ben-Haim are top quality professionals, we've got strength in numbers now and quality.
"Sunderland is a very friendly club, we've got good players and good professionals to help the new players fit in very easily."
The former Gillingham defender has become a cult favourite at the Stadium of Light since his move to the North East in June 2005.
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