The Academy graduate was pictured doing individual work at the Aon Training Complex on Thursday, as he steps up his recovery from a problem that has kept him sidelined since December 2019.
The 22-year-old - who captained the Reds in a Carabao Cup tie against Rochdale, a year ago today - was set to return in June only for a further setback to occur, which required surgery.
However, if all continues to go well, the boss says Axel will be back in the picture after the October international break in a fortnight’s time.
“He’s getting closer to training with the team.