Mowbray will include the 24-year-old in the squad for Saturday's npower Championship clash with Sheffield United after two months out with a torn hamstring.
Mowbray told the Evening Gazette: "Batesy was a bit disappointed not to be back in the squad against Leicester. He was champing at the bit, especially when we lost Barry Robson and Nicky Bailey.
"I didn't need to rush him because we had other options at the back, but he will be in the squad on Saturday.
"Does it give me a selection headache? Yes, it does, but it's one that all managers love to have.
"We have got strong competition at the back now and a lot of good players desperate to see their names on the team-sheet."
Source: PA
Source: PA