KARAMOKO DEMBELE will reportedly return to Celtic firts-team training next week.

The winger, 18, has been out since picking up an injury in a pre-season friendly in July.

Dembele limped off the park in the friendly against Bristol City in Wales where he suffered a fractured ankle.

It was a major blow for the youngster who was keen to impress new boss Ange Postecoglou.

Dembele had to undergo surgery for the injury as he struggled to regain his fitness and overocme the issue.

In October he told fans: "Unfortunately I’ve had some problems with the healing process of my ankle fracture, so I’ve had to go back in get surgery. I shall be back on the field soon!"

And now Football Scotland report Dembele is gearing up for a return to training alongside his team-mates next week after individual work last week.

The site claims Demebele's return will come around two weeks ahead of schedule.

It gives the youngster time to work under Postecoglou during the winter break before fixtures resume later in January.