West Ham United centre-back Angelo Ogbonna is reportedly hoping to return to first-team action before the end of the season, after making progress in his recovery from an ACL injury.
The 33-year-old has been sidelined since the beginning of November last year, when he sustained a knee ligament injury in West Ham's 3-2 win over Liverpool.
After undergoing surgery, David Moyes admitted that it 'would be hard' for Ogbonna to play again for the Hammers this season.
However, the Evening Standard reports that the Italian has begun working in the gym and is hoping to build up his fitness in time to feature for West Ham before the current campaign comes to a close.
The report adds that Ogbonna, who is out of contract this summer, is set to be handed a new deal by the Hammers, as Moyes still regards the experienced centre-back as an important player for the club.
Since Ogbonna sustained his injury, West Ham have only kept five clean sheets in 28 games across all competitions.
The Hammers are still fighting for a top-four place in the Premier League and they will soon be preparing for their Europa League quarter-final encounter with Lyon.
Oliver Thomas
