Jonathan Hogg is back in full training at Huddersfield Town, and could be handed an outing before the end of the Championship campaign.
The high-energy midfielder has missed the last 10 matches with a knee injury.
Just two games remain, at Bristol City on Saturday and at home to Brentford on May 7.
Watch Doug Thomson discuss Mark Hudson's new contract
Boss David Wagner says he wants Hogg to feature, but he won’t take any risks over the 27-year-old.
The German has strongly hinted Town will take up an option to extend the contract of Hogg, which ends this summer, by 12 months.
And he said: “He could play before the end of the season, although there is no pressure or rush.
“I will risk nothing, although if he is able, then he will help us on the pitch.
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“He has been working on the grass without full contact. Now he will step things up and we will see.”
Hogg, who began his career at Aston Villa, was a £400,000 signing from Watford in 2013, when he agreed a three-year deal with that 12-month option in the club’s favour.
The Middlesbrough-born player has made 82 starts and six substitute appearances, scoring once.
He damaged a medial collateral ligament during the 1-0 home defeat by Ipswich Town on February 27.
Hogg’s fellow midfielder Philip Billing missed Saturday’s 1-1 home draw with Birmingham City because of a calf problem.
