<!--Article Start--> <h3 style="text-align: justify">The Chelsea FC goalkeeper picked up a serious knee injury in training last month, but is aiming to make a first-team comeback before the start of the new year</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">To compound Jos Mourinho's early-season woes, Belgian No 1 Thibaut Courtois picked up a meniscus injury last month, requiring surgery on his right knee and resulting in a long injury lay-off. However, it appears Courtois' progress has been according to plan, with the shot-stopper revealing that he aims to be back in action in December.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">New signing Asmir Begovi has been extremely solid in goal for Chelsea FC in the Belgian's absence, and the Blues recently signed ex-Milan keeper Marco Amelia to provide cover in case the unthinkable happens and the Bosnian picks up an injury.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Courtois targets December return</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">The 23-year-old was with the Belgian national team on Tuesday night, celebrating the 3-1 win over Israel and the Red Devils' ascent to the top of the FIFA World Rankings. Regarding his recovery, he is quoted by <a href="http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11668/10028182/chelsea-goalkeeper-thibaut-courtois-targets-december-return" target="_blank">Sky Sports</a> as saying:</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"In terms of my knee, it is good. I am doing my rehabilitation and it is progressing fine. I will be (now) starting the bulk of the work with my physio to come back as soon as possible.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">"Of course I still have to be careful not to go too quickly, but all being well, I should be back in December."</p> <p style="text-align: justify">This is positive news for Chelsea FC fans, considering there were fears the Blues' No 1 would miss up to six months when news of the injury first surfaced.</p> <h3 style="text-align: justify">Begovi signing a true master-stroke</h3> <p style="text-align: justify">Although the Blues made some mistakes in the transfer market, the signing of Asmir Begovi from Stoke City with minimal fuss was a master-stroke. Not only has the A?8m shelled out for the Bosnia & Herzegovina international been worth it, but his signing has prevented the Blues from being in an even worse position in the league.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">Ever since he made his d but against Swansea City on the opening day of the season following a red card for Courtois, Begovi has been extremely solid in goal, saving the Blues' blushes time and again -- particularly against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.</p> <p style="text-align: justify">If his performances continue in the same vein, there is no guarantee that Courtois will walk straight back into Mourinho's starting XI.</p> . <!--Article End-->