Newcastle United midfielder Elliot Anderson has teased his return from injury on social media.
Anderson suffered a stress fracture in his back in October and hasn't been seen in action since the 4-0 win over Crystal Palace. While he is unlikely to feature at Nottingham Forest this weekend, the 21-year-old has taken to Instagram to post yet another encouraging fitness update.
Last week, Anderson posted a photograph of himself in Newcastle training gear and with a ball at his feet. This week, he has posted another training ground update showing himself carrying a training goal with his thumb up and the caption: "Final few steps."
The suggestion Anderson is close to a return will be a welcome boost for Eddie Howe and his squad after an extended injury crisis over the winter months. By the time he returns, the Newcastle academy graduate will have been sidelined for around four months.
Howe recently said about Anderson's injury: "Elliot is continuing his rehab from a stress fracture in his back. It’s been a difficult injury to manage for him and he’s not been very active for a long period of time, he’s trying to let his back heal.
Anderson has made 12 appearances in all competitions for Newcastle this season but is still eyeing his first competitive goal for the club. He has been fairly prolific in friendly matches for The Magpies and had a goal cruelly ruled out by VAR for offside in the 2-1 win at Nottingham Forest last season.
As the young midfielder pushes to return to fitness, Howe is hoping to welcome back some other players from injury soon.
1. Matt Targett (achilles)
Targett has been missing since picking up a hamstring injury against Man Utd back in November. He has featured on the bench in their last couple of outings before dropping out v West Ham and Everton in what is understood to be a minor setback in his recovery. Expected return: Tottenham Hotspur (H) - 13/04 | Getty Images
2. Kieran Trippier (calf)
Trippier was forced off during the 3-0 win over Wolves with a calf injury. He has since been ruled out for over a month. Set for another couple of weeks out at least. Expected return: Crystal Palace (A) - 24/04 | Getty Images
3. Nick Pope (shoulder)
Nick Pope dislocated his shoulder against Manchester United in December and required surgery. Eddie Howe has said the goalkeeper is still a number of weeks away and isn't expected back until 'late April'. Expected return: Sheffield United (H) - 27/04 | Getty Images
4. Tino Livramento (ankle)
Livramento picked up a twisted ankle injury at Chelsea which ruled him out for the Manchester City trip. He returned against West Ham United before suffering another ankle injury which will keep him out for another couple of weeks. Expected return: Burnley (A) - 04/05 | Getty Images