Nikola Milenkovic played 45 minutes in Nottingham Forest's behind closed doors friendly win over Swansea City as he nears a competitive return from a hamstring injury.
A number of Premier League clubs have played friendlies against Championship opposition in a bid to keep fresh during the prolonged international window and Forest were victorious in their meeting with table-topping Swansea courtesy of goals from James McAtee and Liam Delap.
The friendly encounter presented Milenkovic with an opportunity to step up his recovery and the centre-back came through the half unscathed in what will be a major boost to Oliver Glasner's options.
The Reds defender missed the previous two Premier League fixtures against Aston Villa and Coventry City due to a hamstring issue.
Glasner had anticipated Milenkovic would be in contention to feature against the Austrian's former club Crystal Palace, stating he "should be available", and his appearance against Swansea only reaffirms his progress.
Ousmane Diomande and Jair Cunha have featured in Forest's back three since Milenkovic was injured and the duo provide Glasner with the option of easing the Serbian back into the fray.
Milenkovic's return means the only other injury absentee for the East Midlands outfit is Nicolo Savona, who has been absent since January after undergoing knee surgery.
Forest will be eager to return to competitive action following their 1-0 defeat at home to Coventry City prior to the international break.
The trip to face Glasner's former employers at Selhurst Park precedes a testing period where Forest entertain Premier League champions Arsenal, make the trip to Portman Road to face Ipswich Town and then visit the unbeaten Brentford at the Gtech Community Stadium to round off October.
