Chelsea's Thibaut Courtois targeting December return from knee surgery

Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois remains hopeful that he will be able to return before the end of the calendar year.

The Belgian shot-stopper, 23, is in the midst of a long-term recovery after undergoing knee surgery last month to repair ligaments he damaged during a training session.

Speaking after Belgium's Euro 2016 qualifying win over Israel on Tuesday, Courtois said that, if all continues to go smoothly, he expects to be back between the posts for the Blues in December.

"In terms of my knee, it is good. I am doing my rehabilitation and it is progressing fine," he said, via the Guardian. "I will be starting the bulk of the work with my physio to come back as soon as possible. I still have to be careful not to go too quickly but all being well, I should be back in December."

Courtois has missed the club's last seven matches (in all competitions), with Asmir Begovic assuming the role as No. 1 'keeper in his stead.