Real Madrid midfielder Kaka is targeting a return to action at the beginning of January.
The Brazil international has been sidelined since picking up a groin strain in last month's 1-0 defeat at Barcelona but is hopeful he will be fit to feature after La Liga's winter break comes to an end on 2nd/3rd January.
He said: "I am at a very advanced phase in the treatment. I don't know the exact date when I will play but I hope it will be when I return from Brazil."
Centre-half Pepe joined Kaka on the sidelines at the Bernabeu last week after tearing a knee ligament in Saturday's 3-2 victory over Valencia and will be out of action for around six months.
OptionsAston Villa defender Carlos Cuellar had been touted as a surprise replacement for the 26-year-old, but Real sporting director Miguel Pardeza insists the club already possess sufficient replacements.
Ezequiel Garay, Christoph Metzelder, Sergio Ramos and Alvaro Arbeloa are all pushing for extended runs in Manuel Pellegrini's side.
Pardeza told Marca : "We are obliged to look at some options to see if there is anything interesting, but the first solution is to look at what we have already.
"There are some very good players in the squad."
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