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Swansea City could have forward Michu back for next month's south Wales derby against Cardiff City.

The Swansea forward has been troubled by ankle and knee problems throughout the season and underwent an operation on his right ankle on 28 December.

The 27-year-old Spaniard's recovery is expected to take another three weeks which will give him a chance of facing Cardiff on 8 February.

"I am improving a lot," Michu said.

Michu, who scored 22 goals last season, has not featured since Swansea's 1-1 draw at Norwich City on 14 December.

But the Spain international insisted he would not rush his return if he is not quite ready for the Liberty Stadium clash.

"I have started running and although I'm in a little pain I am happy with my progress,"

"I want to be play as soon as possible. I am desperate to play because I am happy when I am on the pitch.

"With this injury, though, you need to be careful and see how the ankle is every day so I don't want to say 'I want to be back for this date or game'.

"If I am going to play I need to be 100 per cent and not just 60 per cent. I want to be fit and I want to play at my highest level, so we will wait until I am fully fit."