Anzhi star Diarra on the mend

Christian Noboa (R) of FC Dynamo Moscow battles for the ball with Lassana Diarra of FC Anji Makhachkala during a Russian Premier League game.

Moscow, Nov 14 (IANS): Anzhi midfielder Lassana Diarra has returned to light training after picking up a knee injury that ruled him out of competitive action for the rest of the year.

The Frenchman ruptured a ligament in his left knee in the 2-1 win over Spartak Moscow in late October.

“Diarra has started training individually. That can only warm the heart,” Anzhi said on Twitter.

Diarra, who has become a key player for Guus Hiddink since joining from Real Madrid in September, is unlikely to be back in action before the winter break, which starts Dec 15.