Konstantinos Mavropanos returned to individual training with VfB Stuttgart this week, following a procedure on a meniscus injury.

STUTTGART, GERMANY: Konstantinos Mavropanos of VfB Stuttgart leaves the pitch with an injury during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 03, 2020. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)
STUTTGART, GERMANY: Konstantinos Mavropanos of VfB Stuttgart leaves the pitch with an injury during the Bundesliga match between VfB Stuttgart and Bayer 04 Leverkusen at Mercedes-Benz Arena on October 03, 2020. (Photo by Adam Pretty/Getty Images)

Mavropanos is on loan with VfB Stuttgart this season, after signing a contract extension with Arsenal to 2023. He initially looked to be making a strong debut against Bayer Leverkusen, but he ended up picking up a knee injury ruling him out for five weeks.

After successful surgery on the problem around the middle of last month, Mavropanos spent a few weeks completely out of action. However, he returned to individual training earlier this week.

There’s still a way to go before he’s playing matches again. First, he’ll need to reintegrate into full first-team training, then they can think about picking him for the matchday squad again.

It’s a positive sign that he’s back out on the grass so quickly, though. After missing four games already, he’ll hope not to let too many more pass him by before he’s back playing for Stuttgart again.

Chris Wheatley reports that there is belief at Arsenal that Mavropanos can fight for a first-team place next season. But for that to happen, he needs to start playing regularly.

The summer move to the Bundesliga was a positive one, allowing him to play in one of Europe’s top leagues on a weekly basis. It’s all down to the player (and a bit of luck on the fitness front) to make it count now.