Sheffield United are set to be boosted by the availability of Kalvin Phillips for their Championship fixture against Charlton Athletic - but Patrick Bamford faces a late call on his inclusion.
The Blades head to the capital in strong form with three wins from their last four Championship matches to climb up to ninth, one point adrift of West Ham who occupy the final play-off berth.
Charlton, on the other hand, find themselves at the other end of the form table following a wretched run of four straight defeats, and the Addicks are without a win since the end of August.
With the visitors seeking a third successive win, Chris Wilder's midfield ranks have been bolstered with the returning Phillips, who is back in the fold after missing the victory against Preston with an ankle issue.
There is a small possibility Bamford could play some role in United's trip to The Valley after missing the previous two matches with a shoulder issue, although Wilder is keen to ensure the former Middlesbrough and Leeds United striker can withstand "physical contact" before making a decision on whether he will travel.
Wilder said: "We’ve got a late fitness test on Pat, but Kalvin is passed fit. He trained yesterday (Thursday).
"Kalvin is definitely on the train in London this afternoon and we will wait and see regarding Pat. He’s been out on the grass and doing some work. But the obvious one is the physical contact that he has to get through.
"It’s no good him being able to run around and check and turn and pass it without putting him through that final test. Fingers crossed, he’ll come through that and will travel with us.
"He’ll be involved in everything we do this morning and the decision will be left late.
"Kalvin’s performances have been really good and it coincides with us picking up a bit of speed and momentum as well. He’s been the heartbeat of that. We said all along about the impact he could potentially have and he has.
"The deal that was put together (to sign him) was an outstanding one and the player, first and foremost, wanted to come and play for me and our football club. He is fully all in, committed and producing the performances that are improving us, game by game.”
As one midfielder returns in Phillips, another midfield option is sidelined for a prolonged period with Joe Rothwell set to miss several weeks after undergoing minor groin surgery.
Rothwell was absent in the previous two fixtures against Wrexham and Preston, and the 31-year-old is unlikely to return until the start of next month.
Wilder added: “Joe has got to have a minor op, which will keep him out until after the international break.
"He might miss the Watford/Southampton games. But the game afterwards, he will be available for selection.
"He just had a little ‘tweak’ in the groin area and he’s gone for a scan. It’s just a little ‘tidy up’ in that area.”
