LUCIANO Civelli is stepping up his rehabilitation and remains on course for a New Year return.

Derek Davis

LUCIANO Civelli is stepping up his rehabilitation and remains on course for a New Year return.

The Argentinean left winger has been given the okay by surgeon Andy Williams to enter the next phase of his recovery after suffering a horrendous knee injury against Burnley last march.

The 22-year-old has met then targets set by him and the specialist has been pleased with his progress but Civelli still has another six weeks strengthening work to do before he can start jogging.

Blues physio Matt Byard said: “The first 12 weeks following surgery of the sort Luca had is often a slow and frustrating time but he has dealt with it well and reached all the short term goals set.

“The muscles are strengthening around the knee and the specialist is delighted with the progress he has made.

“There is a long road ahead yet from what was a complex injury but his recovery is very encouraging.

“It is a case of taking one step at a time and continually monitoring his progress but if he carries on as he is, we will get a good result at the end of it.”