ALEX Gorrin returned to the training pitches this morning as he stepped up his recovery from a serious knee injury.

The Oxford United midfielder has been sidelined since tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Bristol Rovers on November 7.

Gorrin has had to be patient, but was back on the grass at the club’s training ground earlier today.

The 28-year-old is not expected to play again this season, but previously told the Oxford MailΒ he was pleased with how his recovery was progressing.

β€œAt the start it was a bit slow, but it’s been picking up,” the Spaniard said.

β€œTwenty years ago, you had a cruciate knee injury and you’re done, but now you see a lot of players come back to the level they were before.

β€œThat gives you peace of mind, so if you listen to what the professionals say and do everything in your power then you normally come back.”

READ MORE: Alex Gorrin speaks for first time since ACL injury

Gorrin played 17 times in the first three months of the season and made his 100th U’s appearance the week before his injury.

The No 6 is out of contract this summer, but head coach Karl Robinson said back in December that he would be offered a new deal.