Next season return for Dann

Dann, who suffered the setback in January, will step up his rehabilitation work in the next few days with a view to returning to full training early next month. But the central defender concedes he may just miss out on being able to play a part in the finale to Blues' battle for Barclays Premier League survival.

Dann said: "It's going well at the minute. I am in the gym doing a lot of strengthening work, building my muscles back up, and I hope to start running next week."

He added: "If everything goes to plan I will be back training in early May.

"But, when you have been out for so long, you need to train for a couple of weeks then get your match fitness back.

"In the position we are in the players need to be right on their mettle.

"So although, all being well, I will be training before the end of the season, it may be too soon to play. But I'll just take every day as it comes."

Dann sustained the injury during the Carling Cup semi-final, first leg clash at West Ham.

"This is the longest I have been out but it has gone quicker than I thought it was going to," he said.

"The physios have helped me a lot and it's about getting it right from now on and not rushing and making sure I come back stronger."

Source: PA

Source: PA