The former City Ground midfielder sustained the injury in pre-season training with new club Leeds and has had to have three operations after picking up an infection in the wound.
That sparked fears that the ex-England man would have to give up playing but Leeds boss Kevin Blackwell told his club's official website: "It's a great sign to see Steve running around and he has done a couple of marathons this week, so he is getting fitter and it's good to see him back. "