Otago batsman Jesse Ryder hopes to make a return to domestic cricket next week.
The punishing left-hander has not played any cricket since mid-November, when he missed Otago's team flight to Christchurch for a twenty20 match against Canterbury.
He pulled out of the New Zealand A tour of the UAE a couple of days later, citing personal problems, and then injured his back in the gym.
Initially, the injury was not thought to be too serious but when Ryder did not recover it became apparent he had a disc problem.
He was getting shooting pains in his legs and, by Christmas, it was still unclear when Ryder would return.
However, he is back hitting the ball, albeit only throw-downs. Otago coach Dimitri Mascarenhas hopes his star batsman will be fit in time for the Volts' final one-day round-robin match against Canterbury in Rangiora on January 21.
''He is making some good progress,'' Mascarenhas said.
''Realistically he could be fit for next Wednesday. He has not faced bowlers yet but he has had some throw downs.
''[The shooting pains] have died off a little bit, which is why he is trying to get ready to play. He is very keen.''
