Joe Cole hopes to be fit for Aston Vila's opener against Stoke City.
Cole has been restricted to just 45 minutes of pre season action since signing for Villa on a free transfer in June.
Manager Paul Lambert confirmed the former England midfielder has stepped up his recovery.
"He is training now with the group, which is good," said Lambert.
"I know he has missed a wee bit, but he is back training with the group. Everybody seems to be pretty healthy."
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