The lengthy absence of Juan Roman Riquelme may finally have an end in sight, as the number 10 aims to return in time for the 9th or 11th round of fixtures in the Bombonera.

Riquelme has been out since May 24 after undergoing an operation on his left knee, and has barely trained since that date - although this season he has been a regular fixture in the Boca stands both at home and on the road.

Ole reports however that the playmaker has now completed the first stage of his rehabilitation and will now focus on building up strength in his quadricep muscles, weakened through months of enforced inactivity.

Today, TyC Sports reported that Riquelme trained for the first time wearing boots and with a football, a major breakthrough in his comeback schedule.

Although there has still not been a definitive date set for his return, it is believed that he will aim to take the field again in either the 9th round against Lanus or the 11th against Huracan. This would give him three matches to sharpen up before the Superclasico against River Plate in the 14th round.

Neither Riquelme nor the Boca medical staff would comment on his return, in an attempt to reduce the pressure on the still-recuperating club legend.