Dan Jones in the best shape Harrogate Town boss has 'ever seen him' as he closes in on return from injury
The 26-year-old, who is on a season-long loan at Wetherby Road from Salford City, has not played since late November having severely damaged his groin in training.
Jones suffered avulsion fractures to several of his adductor muscles, which means that tendon was pulled away from the bone in his groin, leaving him requiring surgery.
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Hide AdIt was initially predicted that he would not be able to play again until the end of February, but having progressed so well in terms of his rehabilitation, Jones was able to join in with group training this week.
And Weaver, who says Jones has come back in peak physical condition, is hopeful that his left-back will be available for selection again slightly ahead of schedule.
"Dan Jones might only be about a week away now, he has been training really well," the Harrogate boss said, speaking on Wednesday.
"He's worked so hard to get himself back from what was a nasty injury quicker than we initially expected.
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Hide Ad"He's been going through the gears big time. He looks fitter than ever, he's in the best shape I've ever seen him.
"Dan has shown real progress and it's been pleasing for me to see."
Jones injured his groin shortly after Town's victory at Mansfield on November 24, and having started five of the club's previous six matches he certainly seemed to be benefiting from getting a run of games under his belt.
And his pre-Christmas form certainly suggest that his return will leave boss Weaver with another selection dilemma.
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Hide Ad"Dan was just starting to hit his stride when he picked up the injury in November," Town's manager added.
"He was looking really, really good for us at left-back, so what happened was such a shame. Both for him and for us.
"It will be great to have him back in contention and have that natural left-footer as the option in that full-back position.
"It's going to provide me with another headache, but competition for places is what we want, so it's a good headache to have."