Manchester City attacker Nery Castillo is close to a comeback after four weeks out with a shoulder injury.
But after seeing Valeri Bojinov and Michael Johnson return from their injury lay-offs in the reserves recently, Sven Goran Eriksson is poised to have another player soon ready for action in Castillo.
"Our medical people have told me Nery is allowed to do everything with the senior squad, including physical contact and tackling, which is good news," the Swede said.
"It has not been easy for him working with the fitness coaches all the time."