The Montreal Canadiens could have their captain back much sooner than expected.

Defenseman Shea Weber may return Tuesday versus the Detroit Red Wings, head coach Claude Julien announced Monday.

The veteran defenseman was diagnosed with a sprained ankle after seeing a foot specialist last Wednesday and was given a recovery period of four-to-six weeks. However, Weber returned to practice Monday, just days after the diagnosis and around two weeks after he suffered the injury Feb. 4 against the New Jersey Devils.

Julien added that Montreal's medical staff doesn't believe there are issues with Weber returning to action faster than originally anticipated, according to TSN's John Lu.

Weber leads the Canadiens in ice time with an average of 24:18 per game this season and has recorded 13 goals and 34 points through 55 contests in 2019-20.

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