Manchester United midfielder Donny van de Beek has revealed that he is "not far away" from making a return to action for the 20-time English champions.
The 26-year-old has been on the sidelines since the start of January due to the serious knee injury that he suffered against Bournemouth.
The issue led to Van de Beek undergoing surgery, and he will not represent Erik ten Hag's side in the closing stages of the 2022-23 campaign.
However, the Netherlands international has revealed that his recovery is progressing well, with the midfielder seemingly well on course to return for pre-season in July.
"I'm busy with my recovery after my injury and everything is going well. It's hard to give you a time but we have to see how everything goes," Van de Beek told MUTV.
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"I'm doing a lot of gym work and getting closer to being on the pitch, which is positive. I'm not far away."
Van de Beek has admitted that it has been "a bit strange" to watch from the sidelines in the second half of the campaign, but he has praised his teammates for their constant support.
"It's a bit strange - of course you want to be there with the lads but it is what it is so I'm supporting them from the side," the Dutchman added.
"They are so involved – they're always asking how everything is, how the knee is. They're really good lads and they support me, so that's a good feeling."
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The midfielder has only featured on 10 occasions for the Red Devils during the 2022-23 campaign, but he had started to work his way into the starting side before picking up his knee injury against Bournemouth.
There remains speculation surrounding the Dutchman's future, with Ajax thought to be keen to re-sign him during this summer's transfer window.
However, Van de Beek has a contract at Old Trafford until the summer of 2025, with the option of an additional 12 months, and Ten Hag allegedly wants him to stay for next season.
Van de Beek made the move to Man United from Ajax in September 2020, and he has represented the Red Devils on 60 occasions in all competitions, contributing two goals and two assists in the process.
The English giants will be bidding to further strengthen their grip on a top-four spot in the Premier League table when they head to Brighton & Hove Albion on Thursday night.
Matt Law
