Aston Villa's Orjan Nyland has stepped up his preparations for a return from injury, as indicated by the goalkeeper's latest Instagram post.

The Norwegian stopper hasn't featured since the turn of the year for Dean Smith's side due to an Achilles injury, but appears to be making progress towards return to the starting XI.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday morning, the Norwegian posted a video of himself running on a treadmill, with what appears to be some form of supportive air tank around the lower half of his body.

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Despite the precautions, Nyland appears to be moving well, and his caption could suggest a positive mind set of someone who expects to be back in action sooner rather than later.

Prior to his injury, Nyland had made 23 Championship appearances for Villa this season in what is his first campaign with the club.

The verdict

The fact that Villa have used four different 'keepers in the Championship this season is a huge indicator of how much of a problem position this has been for them this season, particularly in Nyland's absence.

Despite some shaky moments the Norwegian appeared to have secured his place between the posts for Dean Smith's side, so it will be pleasing to Villa to have him as an option again, even if he may struggle to get back in ahead of Jed Steer following his involvement in the club's recent run into the play-off places.