There was positive news for Aston Villa fans after Steve Bruce confirmed that John Terry could be back out playing within the next few weeks.

The former Chelsea skipper broke a metartarsal against Sheffield Wednesday on November 4 and the initial fear was that he could be out for around three months.

However, Terry has been working extremely hard and Bruce told the club's official site that he is hopeful of having the influential defender back a lot sooner than that.

"Hopefully in the next couple of weeks John Terry will be back, too. He's giving himself every chance. The recoveries can't come quick enough with amount of games coming up. We're starting to get people back."

Villa have so far coped well without Terry, winning three and drawing one of the four games that he has missed, however there's no doubting that Bruce will restore the 37-year old straight into his team when he is available.

The centre-back has impressed fans with his attitude since suffering the injury. Terry regularly posts updates of how he recovers in the gym, whilst he has also gone along with the Villa squad to each game he has been absent.

The Verdict

John Terry coming back will be a massive boost for Aston Villa and he deserves full credit for the work he has put in in order to return as soon as possible.

The former England captain is the ultimate professional and it pays off in moments like this, as he is set to return weeks before many had expected.

Even though Chris Samba has performed admirably in his place, Villa look a better outfit when Terry is in the side, so Bruce will be delighted with this news.

Thoughts, Villa fans? Let us know in the comments below.