Newcastle midfielder Siem de Jong expects to be sidelined for at least another eight weeks.
De Jong suffered a serious thigh injury in September just three weeks after joining the Magpies from Ajax for £6m.
The initial prognosis was that he would not be fit to return until after Christmas and that does not appear to have altered significantly during his time on crutches.
The 25-year-old Holland international posted an upbeat message on his Facebook page but admitted he was still a long way from returning.
"On my way back to Newcastle. Just saw the surgeon in London and all looks good," wrote De Jong.
"I can slowly start building up strength again and start walking without crutches. Still a couple of months to go but I'm going to work hard and I'm sure I will get back stronger!"
