Jack Wilshere is ahead of schedule and expected to return to training within a fortnight, according to Arsene Wenger.
The Arsenal manager confirmed the midfielder, who has not featured since the 2-1 defeat to Manchester United in November, is recovering well from his ankle injury.
"Jack should be in normal training in ten days," he said at his weekly media briefing.
The England midfielder suffered the injury after a clash with United defender Paddy McNair, and was originally expected to be out for three months.
Jack Wilshere posted on Instagram: "Can't wait for this feeling again"...
But news of his early recovery will be welcome by Arsenal and England fans alike.
Earlier in the week, Wilshere expressed his own excitement as his injury nightmare nears an end and posted a picture of him celebrating a goal against Manchester City.
On the post, he wrote: "Can't wait for this feeling again."
Wenger also gave an update on the condition of two other England internationals, as Danny Welbeck and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain have been out with thigh and groin injuries respectively.
While Wenger said the pair will not be fit for the Gunners next game – at home against Aston Villa on Sunday – they are both on the road to recovery and stand a chance of returning against Tottenham Hotspur the weekend after.
"He [Welbeck] is still out," added Wenger. "He could be available Sunday but he's definitely available next week."
Jack Wilshere has not played since he was injured in the 2-1 defeat against Manchester United on 22 November
However, on Oxlade-Chamberlain, the Gunners boss was a little less optimistic for the north London derby.
"He could be out longer. He may be a bit short for the Tottenham game."
All three will be hopeful of a full return ahead of England's next game.
The Three Lions take on Lithuania at Wembley on 31 March as they look to continue their perfect start to the Euro 2016 qualifying campaign.
