Alexander Isak could be back in contention for selection at Liverpool by the end of March, says manager Arne Slot.
Isak has been ruled out since December with a leg fracture and having had ankle surgery.
Liverpool's record signing - in a deal for £125m during the summer - has managed just 16 appearances for the Reds.
"Alex has been on the pitch, not with his football boots but with his running shoes for the first time this week," Slot said on Thursday.
"The next step is doing work with the ball, which every player likes most, then the next step is to come into the group - and then it takes a while before you're ready to play.
"It will be some time around end of March or start of April when he is hopefully back with the group. That is not to say you are ready to play, let alone start a game.
"But it's nice that rehab goes well; that's a compliment to him and our medical staff.
"We all know the moment you go on the pitch it doesn't take three months, but these final stages of rehab can also make it change."
Slot explained Jeremie Frimpong - recently sidelined with a hamstring issue - could return for next weekend's visit of West Ham to Anfield.