Nottingham Forest defender Michael Hefele appears to be edging closer to a return to fitness, after posting a picture of him in training on his personal
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Hefele hasn't played for Forest since suffering an achilles injury in Forest's 4-2 win over Leeds United on New Year's Day, although it now appears as though the German is making progress in his bid to return to full fitness.
Taking to his official Instagram page, the 29-year-old posted a picture of himself riding an exercise bike while hooked up to an oxygen machine at Forest's training ground, along with a series of emojis that appear to suggest his focus is firmly on a return to football.
Despite his apparent move towards a return to fitness, it appears as though there could still be some uncertainty around Hefele's future at The City Ground, after it was reported during the summer that the defender was one of four players to have been told he was free to leave the club by new manager Sabri Lamouchi.
Hefele only joined Forest from Huddersfield Town in the summer of 2018, and made a total of 18 appearances in all competitions during his debut season with the club.
There are currently two years remaining on his contract at The City Ground, which could keep him at Forest until the summer of 2021.
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The Verdict
Despite the fact Hefele is apparently free to find a free club, I still think this is a boost for Forest.
Getting Hefele back to full fitness will surely increase his chances of earning a move elsewhere when the transfer window reopens in January, helping Forest to reduce the numbers in their sizeable squad.
In the meantime, having the German available would mean that they at least have an extra, proven and reliable option in their defence should they need it.
Indeed, if he is called upon to fill in, it may even help speed any potential move along were he to impress, although, given the start to the season the likes of Michael Dawson and Joe Worrall have enjoyed, you feel it would have to be a pretty serious injury crisis for Lamouchi to have to turn to Hefele.