Tyler Adams is closing in on his first competitive involvement of 2024.

Adams, who has been sidelined since September, has returned to group training at English Premier League side Bournemouth, The Daily Echo reported Monday. The Cherries have been without Adams’ services after the American midfielder re-aggravated a hamstring injury that originally occurred last spring at Leeds United.

Adams made his Bournemouth debut in the EFL Cup against Stoke City last September, but since has needed a second surgery in six months to repair his torn hamstring.

After a grueling spell on the sidelines, Adams is moving closer to returning to action for the South Coast club.

“Tyler has started training with the group,” Iraola said. “In the past week he has started training quite normally. Not everything, but most of the things he does with the group. Now it is a matter of taking the rhythm of his teammates.

“It is very possible also maybe, if everything works, he plays some minutes with the second team, because after almost one year he will need some rhythm,” Iraola added. “He will try to fit everything so he can have some minutes. From there he has to build. But he is doing really well. No pain and he is training well, so everything is going in a good direction.”

Adams was acquired by Bournemouth for close to $30 million after his one season at Elland Road. The 24-year-old excelled for the Lilywhites last season but missed out on the final two months before Leeds suffered relegation to the second-tier.

His presence has been sorely missed by not only Bournemouth, but also the U.S. men’s national team, who are three weeks away from CONCACAF Nations League involvement. Adams was included in Gregg Berhalter’s 60-player preliminary roster on Monday, but isn’t a lock to make the 23-player final roster on March 1.

Bournemouth’s U-23 side is set to face QPR and Colchester United in its next two matches, which could be the earliest opportunity for Adams to return to action. Match fitness will be crucial for the American midfielder, especially if he wants to gain some form ahead of a busy summer schedule.