Southampton star Tino Livramento is set to make his long-awaited return from the St Mary's sidelines in 'early in 2023', according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.
Having been appointed as Saints' boss last month, Nathan Jones is on course to be handed a major boost soon after the turn of the year.
GiveMeSport Injury News
Southampton injury news - Tino Livramento
Livramento has been out of action since suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Southampton's trip to Brighton & Hove Albion in April, leading to him being expected to miss the remainder of the year.
MailOnline confirmed that the right-back required surgery as he began his rehabilitation period.
Livramento revealed on social media, via Hampshire Live, that he was back on the training pitch in September as he stepped up his recovery.
That came as a huge boost to Southampton and he appears to be edging closer to contention with the Premier League season nearing its resumption.
Livramento has headed out to Spain for Saints' winter training camp as he continues his rehab programme.
Read more: Premier League 22/23 Game week 17: Fixtures, predictions, odds, table & everything you need to know
What has Ben Dinnery said about Livramento?
Dinnery understands that Southampton will resist the temptation to bring Livramento back into the fray if he shows any signs of discomfort while in Spain.
The injury news journalist believes the 20-year-old could make his return to action during the final stages of January.
Dinnery told GIVEMESPORT: "If there is any kind of reaction, then he will be held back.
"But everything up to this point suggests and indicate that we're probably looking at something maybe towards the back end of January or even February. Early 2023 - I'm confident with that."
Will Livramento's return come as a major boost for Southampton?
Transfermarkt statistics show that Livramento made 32 Southampton appearances, scoring a goal and providing a further two assists along the way, prior to his long-term injury lay-off.
There is no doubt that he made a major impact after joining from Chelsea for £5million last year, so his return to action will be invaluable as Jones looks to guide Saints out of the Premier League's relegation zone.
According to Sofascore, Livramento averaged 1.9 tackles, 1.7 interceptions and as many clearances in the top flight last term.
His influence has been sorely missed on the south coast and, ahead of Chelsea potentially being able to seal the England under-21 international's return to Stamford Bridge for £40million, Southampton will welcome Livramento's comeback from injury with open arms.
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here