Didier Digard could be back for Middlesbrough this weekend against Fulham.
The Evening Gazette says the French midfielder is making rapid progress in training after recovering from thigh and knee injuries.
Digard is well ahead of the original forecast of a mid-May comeback. He is in full training with the first team squad and could even be named on the bench this weekend.
His return would give the squad another big boost as they bid to haul themselves out of the bottom three.