Aiden McGeady, Lee Cattermole, and Chris Maguire could figure for Sunderland this weekend - but assistant manager James Fowler admits it will be a close-run thing.
McGeady has missed the last two games with a foot injury while Cattermole has sat out the last three matches with an ongoing ankle problem, while Maguire has been sidelined since February with a fractured leg.
And Fowler says they have not yet been ruled out of this weekend's game against Coventry City at the Stadium of Light, although he admits they are 'struggling' to be fit in time to play.
Sunderland's squad strength is beginning to tell in the promotion run-in
But midfielder Dylan McGeouch will miss out on the chance to face the club where he spent a spell on loan in 2014 after he limped out of the Black Cats' draw against Burton Albion in midweek with an abdomen/hip issue.
"They [McGeady, Cattermole, and Magiuire] are still struggling," said Fowler.
"They have done a little bit of training today, and we are still monitoring them ahead of the weekend.
"This game might come a little soon, one or two might sneak in [the squad], but we will see over the next 24 hours or so.
"Dylan will probably miss out this weekend.
"It's not too bad, just a slight strain so hopefully it will be short-term rather than anything too serious."
Reece James has been out of action due to a groin problem and has yet to resume full training, which means he remains on the sidelines for now - although Fowler hopes the full-back will play again this season.
He said: "Reece still hasn't trained.
Sunderland are on course for automatic promotion - but they have the toughest run-in
"He's still working his way back and he was running the other day, but he is not in full training yet.
"Hopefully he will be fit in the next week or two."
Lynden Gooch is still out with a hamstring problem while long-term absentee Duncan Watmore has been ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with ankle ligament damage.
