A return in January was short and so were his appearances in pre-season, after which he had the surgery, during the second week in August. Brian Laws, whilst confirming that the injury wasn't career threatening, said at the time: "We are now going to lose him for a minimum of six months."
Now, things could be a lot better than that and the manager told the Burnley Express yesterday: "Chris is progressing so well, he's done fantastically well over the last month.
"There's been a real progression in him and a confidence, and he can't wait. He's chomping at the bit, his knee feels solid and secure, and his frame of mind is fantastic.
"We might have a player there in January, you never know. He's on course, definitely. He's actually ahead of schedule and we're really pleased with that."