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Joao Carvalho is expected to return to training next week, before the Championship season kicks-off.

Sabri Lamouchi is delighted with the progress made by the Reds’ record signing, and hopes to see him back on the training ground towards the end of next week.

The Reds head coach says they must still be patient with the 15m euro player, as he looks to find his fitness following a painful ankle injury, sustained in the first pre-season friendly of the summer, at Alfreton, last month.

Carvalho is still likely to miss the first few games of the campaign, but his return is nevertheless progressing ahead of schedule and Lamouchi is in positive mood.

“The good news is that Carvalho has been getting better and better, day after day, week after week,” said Lamouchi.

“We hope that, at the end of next week, he will be back training with us. That is very good news for us.

“Without the pre-season and without preparation, we need to take time with him.

(Image: Dan Westwell)

“We need to have him with the team and working close to 100% as soon as possible.”

After collecting the injury, which came following a thumping challenge, Forest had hoped Carvalho would return to training in August.

But Lamouchi hopes that having him back just a little earlier than expected, will be a lift for everyone.

“It is a real boost to have him back. It is at least two or three weeks before we had expected to have him,” said Lamouchi. “I am happy, but we will need to be patient with him.”

Carvalho made 30 starts and ten sub appearances last season, scoring four goals, following his arrival for a club record transfer fee, from Benfica.