Adelaide United defender Dylan Pierias says he is targeting a return to the field around Christmas, more than nine months after suffering a serious knee injury against Perth Glory.
"It's gone really well so far," Pierias said. "It's just over nine months now, so I'm getting towards the end."
Pierias was forced from the field during Adelaide's Round 9 win over Perth Glory on December 20 last year. The club later confirmed the injury would rule him out until late 2026.
The defender is back working on the pitch and progressing through the latter stages of his rehabilitation, though he stopped short of naming an exact return date.
"There are a few boxes I have to tick and things like that," he said. "It's been a long, gruelling nine months. But now I'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, so I'm pretty positive."
Pierias credited club physio Steve Chapman for his support throughout the recovery.
"Especially Steve, one of our main physios," he said. "He's been by my side the whole journey, and there hasn't been a moment where I couldn't talk to him or get in touch with him."
He also thanked strength and conditioning coach Sean Baker and Airton.
"Sean Baker, and Airton speaks to me every couple of days asking how I am," Pierias said. "I've got one of the best S&Cs in the country in Sean Baker looking after me, and the way I'm tracking right now with speed and my GPS data, it's looking better, which is good."
Despite being unable to play, Pierias has continued attending team meetings and watching matches from the stands. He said Jay Barnett, who has filled his position in his absence, had impressed.
"The boys that have stepped in, especially Jay, have been absolutely outstanding," Pierias said.
The defender acknowledged he would need to work his way back into the side once cleared for competitive football.
"I know that when I get back, I'm going to have to fight for my spot again," he said.
His return will also coincide with an unfamiliar assignment for the club. Adelaide United are playing in the AFC Champions League Two this season, the first time in Pierias' decade in the A-League that the club has taken part in Asian continental football.
"I've been in the A-League for 10 years, which is a long time, and I've never been a part of the Asian Champions League," he said.