Oxford United midfielder Cameron Brannagan says he “got away with one” when he injured his knee against Stoke City in September.
The 28-year-old has not featured since but recently received some good news after fearing he might need to have surgery.
“I was told I would have surgery which would have probably been looking at being out for five months,” Brannagan told BBC Radio Oxford.
“But I got some news this week that all my injections I had went well, I’m itching to be back but I was probably a couple more strings in the MCL away from having surgery, I got away with one.
“It could have been five instead of two or three months, I look at is as a blessing. I’m doing work with the physios and hopefully I’ll be back sooner rather than later.”
Brannagan featured in four of the U’s first five Championship games this campaign.
Last season he played in 43 of Oxford’s 46 League One matches as they won promotion to the second tier.
The Dub: An Oxford United podcast – Cameron Brannagan special – BBC Sounds
Des Buckingham’s side have made a positive start to the campaign and are 10th in the table.
They kicked off the season with a 2-0 victory over Norwich City which Brannagan scored in.
“It’s very tough watching from afar and not playing,” Brannagan added.
“The lads are doing really well though so it is pleasing to see but I do think we could have got more points in some games.
“If you had shown me the start we have had before the season though then I would have snapped your hand off for it, hopefully I can be back sooner rather than later to join them.”
Oxford’s home form has been impressive this season and they are unbeaten at the Kassam Stadium.
They return from the international break with back-to-back home games against West Brom on Saturday, before hosting Derby County.