Muhamed Besic has not played for Everton since August, after picking up an injury in pre-season.
Ronald Koeman has told Everton’s official website that Muhamed Besic is edging closer to full fitness, after picking up a serious knee injury.
Besic suffered knee damage during a pre-season friendly match, and he is yet to play a competitive fixture this season.
The Bosnian international underwent surgery in August, and is not expected to come back until 2017.
Koeman has been impressed by Besic’s attitude, and insists that the central-midfielder’s recovery is going well.
“He’s progressing well,” Koeman said. “What we said [about his recovery] he’s on his way to being back.
“It’s a long-term injury and you need to be patient. But the medical staff are really happy with Mo because he has shown a really good professional attitude. That makes it easier to come back.
“It’s always a difficult time for footballers because what you like is to play a part on the pitch and train every day like normal. But he can’t, so it’s important to get support and help from the manager, the rest of the coaches and teammates.”
Besic faces a fight to win a place in Everton’s team, when he does return to fitness.
Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye have become Everton’s first choice midfield combination, and their places in the Toffees’ starting line-up look relatively secure.
Everton are currently in seventh place in the Premier League table, with their next match coming against Swansea City after the international break.
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