Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has hinted that he could be back sooner than some initially expected after his five-word Instagram update that was provided post-Dubai training.
Xhaka, 29, has been on the sidelines since September's North London Derby victory over Tottenham Hotspur and still isn't expected to be available for selection for most of 2021.
However, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hinted at a potential early return for Xhaka amid the initial diagnosis of three months out.
"Granit is progressing really well but obviously we know it is a long-term injury unfortunately and he’s not going to be available," the Spaniard said last month. "With Granit, I don’t know, but I’m sure that if you tell him three [months], he will be thinking two.
"He will be trying to do extra work to try to minimise that time, that’s for sure.
"We have to do it in the right way because it’s a significant injury and we want to have him back properly when he can."
These comments from the Spaniard have been further validated with what the midfielder has done already during this international break.
Benjamin White and Xhaka are currently out in Dubai for some warm weather training as they both look to maintain fitness levels ahead of Liverpool.
In Xhaka's case though, it's all just about returning as soon as possible and his latest Instagram post has demonstrated his eagerness and commitment to get straight back into the thick of things imminently.
Alongisde a picture of the Albanian-born player working on what looks like a passing drill, Xhaka delivered his five-word verdict that will come as a boost to the north London club.
He posted: 'Hard at work in Dubai [followed by flexed bicep emoji].'
The 29-year-old then added some context to his situation following the initial five-word verdict: 'Feeling fitter every day [followed by raised hands emoji].'
Xhaka's return could come at just the right time with the Africa Cup of Nations just around the corner.
Thomas Partey and the rest of the African contingent at the Emirates Stadium will be jetting off to Cameroon in the new year to compete for one of the biggest prizes in world football.
The ex-Borussia Monchengladbach will be hoping to put those early season woes behind him to form a partnership with youngster Albert Sambi Lokonga that can go someway in covering successfully in the absence of the Ghanaian lynchpin.
