Millwall get positive return date news on Arsenal loan defender Daniel Ballard

Daniel Ballard is set to return to training in early February as the on-loan Arsenal defender looks likely to be back available from knee surgery sooner than initially expected.

The Northern Ireland international was expected to be sidelined for three months after undergoing an operation at the start of December.

But the South London Press understands that Ballard is making good progress.

The centre-back has played 19 times for the Lions after opting to join them on a season-long loan in the summer. He turned down Blackpool, who he had won promotion with last season via the League One play-offs.

Ballard has missed the last seven matches, six of those Championship fixtures.

Before that he had started all the matches he had started 19 of their opening 20 league matches.