Bristol City boss Gary Johnson is hoping that defensive stalwart Jamie McAllister will be back to full fitness in time to play a part in Saturday's clash with Northampton.
McAllister picked up a calf injury during the FA Cup fourth round replay at Middlesbrough but has returned to full training after a spell on the sidelines at Ashton Gate and is knocking on Johnson's door for a squad place.
Scott Murray remains an absentee for the Robins with the foot injury he picked up during the course of the local derby clash with Bristol Rovers in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy.
City are boosted however by the return of Kevin Betsy and Brian Wilson who were both cup-tied for the JPT defeat.
Northampton manager Stuart Gray welcomes back midfielder David Hunt for the daunting trip to Ashton Gate.
Hunt missed the 3-0 win over Rotherham last weekend through a one-match suspension but is available to face the Robins.
He will replace Marc Laird in the squad after the youngster returned to Manchester City following a one-month loan spell at Sixfields.
Australian defender Pedj Bojic is closing in on a return to the squad after his hernia operation and Brett Johnson is available for selection after six weeks out with a hamstring strain.
But midfielder Joe Burnell will not be available to face his former club as he is still sidelined with the ankle injury he sustained at Port Vale last month.
The Cobblers have picked up seven points in their last three games to ease their relegation fears and a win at Ashton Gate could see them move eight points clear of danger.