Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois returned to training as he attempts to recover from a knee injury that has sidelined him since September.
The Belgian international, 23, tore the meniscus his right knee during a training session two months ago and had targeted a December return to the Blues' first team.
Courtois took to Twitter following Thursday's practise session, calling it the next step in his rehabilitation.
Next step in rehab today, good feeling in training. Still have to work hard before I will be playing again, but it's coming closer! #CFC
- Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) November 19, 2015
He tweeted: "Next step in rehab today, good feeling in training. Still have to work hard before I will be playing again, but it's closer!"
Chelsea had confirmed Courtois' training appearance earlier in the day, also via Twitter, saying: ".@thibautcourtois is back training with the group as part of his ongoing rehab..."
.@thibautcourtois is back training with the group as part of his ongoing rehab... https://t.co/WUmIORakBS https://t.co/rVzwkkB0BV
- Chelsea FC (@ChelseaFC) November 19, 2015
Former Stoke City goalkeeper Asmir Begovic, 28, has deputised since Courtois' injury.
Chelsea, who have had a disappointing to start to their campaign, currently sit 16th in the Premier table, 15 points off leaders Manchester City and Arsenal after 12 matches.
Jose Mourinho's side have allowed 23 goals in 2015-16 thus far after shipping just 32 all of last season.