Barcelona defender Thomas Vermaelen is hoping to make his long-awaited debut for the club in April after a nine-month injury layoff.
Vermaelen, 29, has been out of action since sustaining a hamstring tear while playing for Belgium at the 2014 World Cup.
He moved to Barca from Arsenal last summer in a £15 million deal, but the injury has kept him waiting to make his first appearance for his new club.
"I've taken a big step forward," Vermaelen said in a video posted on his Facebook page. "I'm happy to be back running.
"It's great to be back training outdoors instead of in the gym. I want to return stronger than before.
"I want to thank the club and the medical staff for the work they have done. In two weeks I will return stronger."
Post by Thomas Vermaelen.
Vermaelen, who signed a contract until 2019 with Barca, said he never anticipated such a lengthy absence.
"I sustained the injury at the World Cup and in the hospital in Brazil they said I would only be sidelined for 10 days," he added. "Barca then noticed the injury during a medical.
"They told me I had two options -- to undergo surgery, which was not necessary, or to do specific exercises to strengthen that area.
"I opted for the latter, but in the end it didn't work out and I underwent surgery [in November]. I have followed the recovery programme set by the surgeon and everything is working well.
"I feel I have the backing of my team and of the club. I feel right at home. I just want to return to play as soon as possible. I still have not been able to play in an official game with Barca."