from Dana Wakiji of the Wings website,

As it's a lower-body issue, Athanasiou said he has not been on the ice that long.

"I skated maybe a couple of times before break," Athanasiou said. "And then after the break, I skated for a couple of days. I think I skated yesterday and the day before, so it's been two days before this practice, my first one. Just kind of letting it heal and it's been getting better. Hopefully I'll get back soon."

Athanasiou, who has five goals and 14 assists in 36 games this season, would still have 29 games left if he was able to return Monday against Philadelphia.

"I think right now it's just trying to get back on the ice at this point," Athanasiou said. "Obviously we know where we are and it's just I want to come back and play hockey with my teammates and play some good hockey. It's just being ready once this injury heals."

Goaltender Jonathan Bernier, who has missed the last six games with a lower-body injury, practiced with the team before the break but then the break got in the way.

However, Bernier should be ready soon.

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