George Thorne and Jason Shackell could get run-outs for Derby County’s Under-23s tomorrow.
The Under-23s are in action against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in their second Premier League 2 – Division 1 fixture the season (7:05pm kick-off).
The pair have endured frustrating spells out of action in recent times but there is now light at the end of the tunnel.
Thorne has been building up his fitness during the last month after suffering a minor hamstring injury in the early stages of pre-season.
After missing all of last season after sustaining a broken leg in May 2016, manager Gary Rowett has opted to gradually ease the midfielder back into action.
Shackell, meanwhile, underwent back surgery towards the end of 2016/17 and has been working on his rehabilitation ever since.
He made just 10 first-team appearances last term after being sidelined with a calf injury for the vast majority of the first half of the campaign.
Rowett says, barring any late setbacks, the pair are set to be involved in tomorrow’s game.
He told RamsTV: “We felt as though it (their returns to match action) might have been the game at Pride Park (against Sunderland) that both George Thorne and Jason Shackell would have played in.
“Their rehabilitation has gone quite well and the training load that they’ve done out on the pitches has been really good as well with a blend of first-team and Under-23 sessions.
“I think they are up to a point now where both, barring any set-backs, should feature against Chelsea on Friday night.”