Wigan Athletic boss Roberto Martinez is upbeat over the fitness return of James McCarthy.
McCarthy is on course to return towards the end of January after undergoing ankle surgery earlier this month. The 19-year-old Republic of Ireland international was injured in a tackle from Bolton's Fabrice Muamba in October.
McCarthy said: "He is starting to put the weight on his ankle and he is progressing really well.
"From next week he will probably be able to put 80% of the weight on it and from then on it is going to be a lot easier.
"The surgery was a real success and everything up to this point has been as we expected, if not better.
"He is a really fit boy and is looking after his body. He is going to get the rewards real soon."
