Manchester United left-back Luke Shaw is back in training and has stepped up his recovery from a double leg break by starting running.
Teammate Juan Mata posted a picture of himself with Shaw on Instagram on Monday, with the message: "My friend @lukeshaw23 just came in from running out on the pitch! Getting closer."
Shaw has been out since September, when a challenge by PSV Eindhoven defender Hector Moreno caused the injury in United's opening Champions League group game.
He has undergone a lengthy rehabilitation process but travelled to Dubai during the international break.
The left-back revealed last week that he was due to link up with the squad again and start training, while England coach Roy Hodgson still hopes to have him available for selection for Euro 2016 that appears unlikely.
My friend @lukeshaw23 just came in from running out on the pitch! Getting closer �������� ����
A photo posted by Juan Mata (@juanmatagarcia) on
A fortnight ago, United manager Louis van Gaal set Shaw the target of returning and playing in the FA Cup final on May 21 but the manager has said that is unrealistic.
Van Gaal said: "Luke shall start the first training sessions on the pitch next week. Now he can train with his body weight on the pitch. But it is very difficult to play in the final of the FA Cup."
The Dutchman also said striker Wayne Rooney is set to be used in a United under-21s game before featuring for the first team.
Rooney was not named as part of the under-21s squad to face Chelsea at Old Trafford on Monday night, though the team sheet included returning pair Phil Jones and Ashley Young alongside fringe first-team players like Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, Guillermo Varela and Paddy McNair.
Jones last played a senior game against Swansea on Jan. 2 and has been sidelined by an ankle problem while Young's absence because of a groin injury began later that month.