Cheltenham Town's West Ham United loan defender Levi Laing steps up recovery from knee injury

Cheltenham Town loan defender Levi Laing has stepped up his recovery from a knee injury.

The 21-year-old returned to parent club West Ham United for the early stages of his rehabilitation after suffering the injury during the second half of the 2-1 win at Colchester United on October 19.

But the 6ft 2in former Arsenal prospect is now back on the grass at Cheltenham's training ground and is expected to be back in contention for selection within the next fortnight.

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Laing has made three League One starts and two substitute appearances for Michael Flynn's side so far, also featuring in the EFL Cup and EFL Trophy.

He is one of six loanees in the squad, alongside Lewis Payne (Southampton), Sam Stubbs (Bradford City), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Manni Norkett (Nottingham Forest) and Lewis Shipley (Norwich City).

With Laing close to making his comeback, only left-back Ryan Haynes and midfielder Harry Pell remain on the long-term injury list.

If their recoveries continue as planned, Haynes could make his return to action in March, with Pell having a chance of featuring in April following ACL surgery.

* Cheltenham Town play Salford City away in the FA Cup second round on Saturday afternoon (3pm).