Arsenal centre-back Per Mertesacker is nearing match fitness and is eyeing a return to action in the new year after spending the first half of the Premier League season on the sidelines.
The German, who was appointed club captain following Mikel Arteta's departure to Manchester City, suffered a knee injury in a pre-season friendly against French outfit Lens in July and required surgery.
But the World Cup winner took a significant step in his rehabilitation after coming through an individual training session at London Colney on Monday ahead of Arsenal's Champions League match against Basle.
Mertesacker, who is not in the squad for Tuesday evening's Group A clash in Switzerland, believes he will be back on the Emirates pitch shortly after the Christmas period.