Trainer Willie Mullins is confident Faugheen could return to action at Leopardstown later this month.
Faugheen has been out of action for a year after picking up an injury after winning the BHP Irish Champion Hurdle 12 months ago.
Mullins' stable star is back in training and connections are confident he will be able to defend his crown on January 29.
If he is unable to run, the long-term target is still the Stan James Champion Hurdle which he won back in 2015.
Speaking of his chances, Mullins told the Irish Times: “I'm pleased with him and he's definitely on course for Cheltenham.
“If all goes well, hopefully he can run in the Irish Champion beforehand.”
