Stoke and England goalkeeper Jack Butland has revealed his ankle fracture has completely healed.
Butland has not been involved in a match since sustaining the injury while on international duty just under a year ago, with his attempts to return to fitness being hit by setbacks.
He had his most recent round of surgery on the ankle in December and up until a few days ago was undergoing rehabilitation in Qatar.
Stoke boss Mark Hughes last month said Butland, who turns 24 on Friday, could be available for selection again by mid-March.
And on Monday, Butland said on Twitter: "Surgeon couldn't be happier with my ankle, fracture completely healed and free to progress! Best early birthday present ever.
"Been a horrendous year of setbacks but finally got the news I've been waiting for! now i can get the gloves back on and out on the pitch."
After Wednesday's Premier League match at Manchester City, Stoke - for whom Lee Grant has impressed in goal in Butland's absence - host Chelsea on March 18, then are not in action again until a trip to Leicester on April 1.
In terms of other possible targets for Butland, England play Germany away and Lithuania at home on March 22 and 26 respectively.
Source: PA
