Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini hopes to be fit for the start of next season.
The Belgium international has been out since requiring ankle surgery after a clash with Liverpool's Sotirios Krygiakos three months ago.
The 22-year-old has spent time in his homeland since his operation but is now having a rehabilitation period before the summer back at the club's Finch Farm training ground.
"I am much better now, I have been at training for two weeks," Fellaini said.
"The first and second months were difficult because I had my operation but now it is good.
"I hope to be ready for the start of next season. I will start back in July or August."
Fellaini's fortunes this season have been the mirror opposite of those of the team.
He was one of their more consistent players throughout the difficult opening months of the campaign but then missed their late resurgence.
Had he remained fit the Toffees might have had a better chance of completing their unlikely charge for a European place.
A run of just two defeats since December pushed the Merseysiders right into contention but last weekend's goalless draw at Stoke meant eighth place in the Barclays Premier League would be their limit.
"That is football," Fellaini added. "We did not have a good start to the season but I hope next season will be better and it will be possible."
