Newcastle Jets midfielder Jobe Wheelhouse is on the verge of a return the starting line-up.

The 24-year old has been out of action since the pre-season after injuring his ankle and is close to featuring in Branko Culina's squad.

Culina said the return of Wheelhouse will provide the Jets with some much-needed hardness balanced with skill.

"It's not just about picking nice players," Culina told the Newcastle Herald.

"They need to have a bit of steel about them because this game away from home is going to require a combination of good football and a lot of mental toughness and steel.

"Certainly Jobey is one of those who comes into calculations. We need to have the right balance in the team."

After three successive defeats, the Jets are in desperate need of three points when they face Adelaide United at Hindmarsh Stadium this Monday.