Hector Bellerin is ahead of schedule with his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament rupture suffered in January, and he could be back before the end of September.

David Hytner of The Guardian was one of the first to confirm the severity of Bellerin’s knee injury, writing soon after the Chelsea match in January that the right-back would miss the rest of the season.

It’s therefore worth paying attention to the same journalist’s latest update, and Hytner claims Bellerin is now ahead of schedule and hopes to be back before the end of September.

Initially, Bellerin was told he’d need nine months out after surgery, putting him on track for a return in mid-to-late October. He hasn’t had any setbacks and he’s healed well, so he’s now hoping to make his comeback against Aston Villa on 22nd September.

Of course, it’s possible Arsenal decide to be more cautious with him. Bellerin could be the club’s starting right-back for many years to come, so missing a few more weeks could be worth it to ensure avoiding a setback.

This is good news regardless, and if the Spaniard does return in September he could be available for the trip to Old Trafford at the end of the month.