Juan Mata has hinted that he could return to the Manchester United team before the end of the season.
Mata underwent groin surgery last month and has missed the last seven games.
Jose Mourinho had suggested Mata would not be fit to return until the end of May, ruling him out of the bulk of the run-in.
But the 28-year-old is hopeful he may be able to play some part as United chase the Europa League and a place in the Premier League’s top four.
He wrote on his blog: “As you can imagine, this month has been a bit too long for me due to my injury.
“I had never been in a situation like this before (I’ve been very lucky), but the truth is I’m feeling much better now and I hope to be back with the team soon, to try to help in the last spell of the season.
“I hope so, because that’s all I want: being always available to help and to contribute as much as I can, both on and off the pitch.”
Mata, who has scored 10 goals in 38 games this season, will miss the Manchester derby against City at the Etihad Stadium on Thursday.
It is unlikely he will be ready for Swansea’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, but there remains a possibility that he could return next month.
United could face as many as seven games in May, including league trips to Arsenal and Tottenham as well as a Europa League semifinal against Celta Vigo and a possible final in Stockholm.
Mata’s return would be a boost for Mourinho, who last week saw top scorer Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Marcos Rojo ruled out for the rest of the season with knee injuries.
