John Souttar is set to take the tentative first steps towards a Hearts return when he begins light running at Riccarton next week.
The 24-year-old suffered a third snapped achilles in three years in August, forcing him into another extended period on the sidelines.
The Scotland international underwent surgery earlier this year after a repeat of the issue which initially ruled him out for nine months in January.
Manager Robbie Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News his return was now ahead of schedule, but admitted the Tynecastle side are in a position to allow him the opportunity to fully undergo rehabilitation work without rushing him back.
Souttar first aggravated the injury in January 2017 - only for the same issue to rear its head just three years later.
However Neilson is optimistic he can return to the fold before the end of the Jambos' Championship campaign.
He said: "He is starting to get there but it will be very slow progress.
"If we get him back before the end of the season we will be absolutely delighted, but I think we are all aiming for the start of next season."
Meanwhile, winger Lewis Moore will hold talks with the club over a possible loan move away from Tynecastle in January.
The 22-year-old made a handful of appearances under Daniel Stendel towards the end of last season but has struggled to regain his place in Neilson's side since the arrival of Elliott Frear, Josh Ginnelly and Jordan Roberts and the emergence of forward Craig Wighton.
It is now understood he will look elsewhere for first team football, with a loan to another Championship side reportedly high on the agenda.
Moore has previously spent time on loan at Cowdenbeath, Forfar Athletic and Falkirk.
