George Boateng also has a chance of returning after missing the same three games with a knee injury sustained at Arsenal, but it may just be too soon for the captain to return.
Robert Huth has another run-out for the Reserves tonight at the Riverside against Manchester United, while Malcolm Christie also plays after a short spell out.
Julio Arca (broken foot) is back in light training and could be in contention for a game with the Reserves next week.
Ugo Ehiogu (achilles) and Chriss Riggott (ankle) are still a few weeks away from returning to full training.