Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck is hoping to return from his long-term injury around the New Year.
Welbeck, 24, underwent surgery on his left knee at the beginning of September with the club saying he will be out for "a period of months."
The England international, who signed for the Gunners from Manchester United in 2014, is on the road to recovery and is optimistic of making his comeback in around two months' time.
He told Sport360: "It's difficult to put an exact date on it, around the New Year. After I had the operation, I was in a leg brace for about four weeks -- which wasn't easy. I had to do a lot of machine work, about six hours a day.
"Sleeping in a leg brace isn't good. At night it's not comfortable, it's the first time I've slept on my back in years.
"It's good to finally be out of the brace now and walking. It feels like I'm getting that little bit closer to getting back out on the pitch."
Welbeck also spoke about the form of club and international teammate Theo Walcott, who has recently impressed in a central striking role for Arsenal.
He said: "It's good to have the healthy rivalry. It gives the manager a selection problem. It's a good headache for him to have and to have that competition in the squad, it's healthy."