Jay DeMerit has returned to training with Vancouver Whitecaps just over three months after rupturing his Achilles.
The former Watford captain sustained the injury in the Whitecaps' season opener against Toronto FC in early March and is now back running but still a little way off a competitive return.
"It's been a long road," DeMerit said.
"But to be this stage, to be feeling athletic again is a step in the right direction.
"We always try to push it, in the most sensible way. My personality won't let me take things for granted I suppose. I understand the situation and have from the beginning. Off the field, you try and do everything you can to get back on it as soon as possible."
The USA international added: "It's a little bit premature to say I'm back fit and healthy, because there's definitely still a long road to go. The initial diagnosis is six to eight months and to be running and doing athletic movements after just three, I think we're on the road to if not beat the timeline, be right near it."
