Aston Villa are close to welcoming Birkir Bjarnason back to the fold after six games out with a groin injury.
Sustained in a clash with Queens Park Rangers, the Icelandic international required an operation on the ailment that left him stricken on the sideline for a considerable amount of time.
A post made to his Instagram account however suggests that a return to first-team action could be imminent.
Dean Smith’s side are currently preparing to take on Stoke City at the weekend, and it is as yet unknown if the 30-year-old will be available for selection.
Lying deep in the midfield, Conor Hourihane has stepped in alongside John McGinn in Bjarnason’s absence, with Glenn Whelan also seeing playing time.
With Mile Jedinak also said to be on the cusp of finding fitness once again, it seems that things are only looking up for Smith’s Villa.
