Stoke winger Matthew Etherington is ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury, BBC Radio Stoke understands.However, it is still very doubtful that the 29-year-old will be able to feature in the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley on 14 May.
Etherington tore his hamstring in the 3-0 win over Wolves on 26 April.
He was expected to be out for four to six weeks, but he is progressing well after several days of intensive work with the Potters' medical staff.
Since sustaining the injury, Etherington has been running in a hydrotherapy pool and also spent time in an oxygen chamber to aid his recovery.
Hopefully Matty can get himself back, we're all hoping he does because he's a terrific player for us
Stoke defender Marc Wilson
Manager Tony Pulis has said he is prepared to give the former Tottenham and West Ham winger a fitness test on the day of the final to give him every possible chance of being involved.
Etherington was in the Hammers team that lost to Liverpool on penalties in the 2006 final at the Millennium Stadium.
Stoke defender Marc Wilson, who was unable to play for Portsmouth in the 2010 final because of a hamstring injury, has sympathy for his team-mate.
"It's not a good position to be in," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "Hopefully Matty can get himself back, we're all hoping he does because he's a terrific player for us."
Etherington, who won Stoke's player of the year award for the 2009/10 campaign, has scored six goals in 38 appearances this season and has been a key figure in the Potters' rise into the top half of the Premier League.
He also scored the opening goal in the 5-0 semi-final victory over Bolton.
Source: BBC Sport
Source: BBC Sport