Arsenal centre back Per Mertesacker is nearing match fitness and eyeing a return to action in early 2017.
The 32-year-old German has spent the entire first half of the Premier League season on the sidelines due to a knee problem.
Mertesacker, who was appointed club captain following Mikel Arteta's departure this year, was injured in a pre-season friendly in July and has not played since after undergoing surgery.
He said: 'I'm hopeful that I can join the team properly and be available to the team next year.