Gareth Barry:

"Early signs are really good. The scars have healed really well, but we will see how I feel when I start playing again. Fingers crossed it will all have healed up.

"I think the worst of it is over now. There will be a two-week healing process, and I have started my rehab to try to get fit and catch up with the rest of the lads.

"I don't really want to put a timescale on it, but hopefully I will be ready for the main games starting.