Derby County midfielder Krystian Bielik says he does not think he is too far away from a return to full fitness, following a long injury lay-off.

Bielik, who joined the Rams from Arsenal last summer, has not featured for the Rams since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament during an Under 23s game back in January.

Now however, it seems as though the Pole is confident he may not be too far away from being available for Phillip Cocu to call upon again.

Speaking to Derby's official website to provide an update on his recovery, Bielik said: “I’m nearly there. I’m back with the team in training. The knee feels great. Today, for example, I woke up and my knee feels like I never had surgery.

"I knew that it would be a good day and it was a great day. It was great training with the team and it was a lot of possession stuff and my knee felt fine."

Indeed, it seems it has not been easy for Bielik to watch on from the sidelines over the course of the past ten months or so, and describing that experience, the 22-year-old went on to explain: “When I watch matches from the stands, I feel like I want to be on the pitch and help the lads. I’m looking forward to being back.

“I’m still making myself stronger and stronger and when the time is right, I want to be ready to go on the pitch, be ready and fight for the team and myself.

“It’s been a long journey but I’m almost there. I’m stronger already and I’m almost there.”

Prior to his injury, Bielik had made a total of 21 appearances in all competitions for Derby, establishing himself as a key part of Cocu's side during the first half of last season with his dominance and versatility in the centre of both midfield and defence.

The Verdict

This looks like it will be a big boost for Derby.

Bielik was certainly impressive for the Rams following his move last summer and before his injury, and he was a miss for them after that setback.

As a result, it will be a big relief for the club to see the Pole is closing in on a return to action, especially considering the way they have struggle to get control of games at times this season, something the presence of Bielik should help to do.

Even so, Derby will have to be careful not to rush the midfielder back too quickly here, due to the risk of aggravating that injury further that it could present.