Arsenal defender Per Mertesacker said in an interview with "Sky Sports" that he is nearing a full return after missing the season so far with a knee injury.
"I'm able to run now, painless, and it's what it's all about. When you are able to run again after such a long time it makes you feel happy.
"I'm hopeful that I can join the team properly and be available to the team next year. That's my resolution. I want to be back on the pitch and with the ball."
The German centre-half had knee surgery back in July and has only recently returned to light training. But Mertesacker confirmed he is hoping for a January return to action, where he will face a challenge to break back into the starting lineup with Laurent Koscielny and Shkodran Mustafi forming a formidable partnership.