Melbourne City FC’s international marquee Robert Koren is on track to make an appearance by the end of the year with Head Coach John van’t Schip wary of the midfielder’s progress.

Koren—who picked up a calf injury on the eve of the season—has worked individually on his recovery and will look to be training with the side in two weeks time.

The debilitating injury has seen Koren miss the opening rounds of the season but van’t Schip is happy with the way the former Slovenian captain is tracking.

“We’re pleased with how his progression is going,” van’t Schip said.

“After the Brisbane game we can start working. Maybe he can be involved in the last games before the break (vs. Victory, Perth, Newcastle and Central Coast)”

The Dutchman is wary of bringing back his marquee man too early, saying Koren will only come back into the fray when he is fully fit.

“He’s been out for six weeks so we have to build him up again in his training just with the team,” van’t Schip said.

“We have to make sure when he comes back, he’ll be in a good shape to help the team.”