Injured Super Eagles forward PeterOsaze Odemwingie is expected back in full training with Stoke City in the next two to three weeks according to his manager Mark Hughes.
Odemwingie has been out of action since being stretchered out of a 1-0 win at Manchester City in late August with knee ligament damage.
He ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and meniscus in his left after coming on at half-time of a famous win at the Etihad Stadium. The 33-year-old was expected to miss the rest of the season but he has made good progress in his recovery.
“Peter’s still in with the physios but we’re encouraged by what he’s saying and what the physios are saying, Hopefully in the next two to three weeks we may well see him back in the group,” Hughes said in his pre match conference ahead of their game against Chelsea.
“If he’s back in the group then you’re looking at another couple of weeks before he’s available for selection. He’s as close as he been to returning and we’re encouraged by that.”
Last season Odemwingie scored five goals as he sparked Stoke’s surge up the table in the second half of the season, after joining from Cardiff in a swap deal involving Kenwyne Jones.
He made history in the summer when he became the first Potter to score in a World Cup finals – netting for Nigeria past his City teammate Asmir Begovic.
A new deal is reportedly set to be offered to him provided he proves his fitness.