Shay Logan is set to hand Aberdeen a much-needed boost ahead of Saturday's clash with Celtic at Pittodrie.
The Dons are desperate to avoid a Hoops title party on their turf but need to take the three points from Neil Lennon's side for the first time this season to delay the visitors' celebrations.
Right back Logan has been missing for three months since suffering ankle tendon damage in the Scottish Cup win over Queen of the South.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes has also been deprived of Graeme Shinnie , Niall McGinn and Gary Mackay-Steven in recent weeks and suffered more injury misery as Connor McLennan limped off against Rangers on Sunday. Andy Considine will also be suspended this weekend following his sending off against Rangers.
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But McInnes has revealed that Logan is set to return for Saturday's lunchtime clash with the Hoops.
“All being well Shaleum should be involved in the game against Celtic, which is a boost," he said. "He was back training last week and has done some bits of work.
“Rangers came too quick for him but he will hopefully get a full week’s training this week.
“He has worked extremely hard so hopefully Shaleum gets his reward for that. Having him back would help us.”
Dom Ball was forced to deputise at right back for the majority of Logan's absence although the emergency signing of Greg Halford provided a little cover.
But Logan has made the right back position his own in his five years at Pittodrie and his return will be a major boost to McInnes.
Crocked skipper Shinnie looks to have played his last game for the club with his contract up at the end of the season and McGinn has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign too as he awaits an ankle operation.
Teenage winger McLennan suffered a hamstring tear at Ibrox but there was better news on Mackay-Steven.
McInnes said: “We are still hopeful that he (Mackay-Steven) can be back before the end of the season.
“Gary’s training and running has started to increase his workload. He will not be back for Celtic but maybe before the end of the season.”
