Chris Smalling is reportedly nearing his long-awaited return to the pitch.
The English defender has been out of action for over 5 months due to a chronic knee injury.
Recently, Smalling was partially reintegrated in group training – for now he is planning to train without the ball in order to improve his fitness levels after his extensive absence.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, if Smalling continues on this path, he could be called up by Daniele De Rossi for the big match versus the current Serie A leaders – Inter Milan – on 10 February.
