Craig Bryson is winning his fight to be fit for Aberdeen's Europa League clash with RoPS Rovaniemi.
The Dons' pulled off a minor coup landing the Derby midfielder amid fierce competition last month.
But he sat out Saturday's pre-season opener against Connah's Quay Nomads as he continues to fight back from an ankle injury sustained in April while playing for the Rams.
Bryson was joined by Niall McGinn, Connor McLennan and Stevie May on the sidelines but all four are in line to face Inverness in a friendly this weekend with May in line to face Peterhead on Wednesday.
And that means they could all be fit for the clash with the Finnish side on July 11.
Aberdeen boss Derek McInnes told the Evening Express : “Bryson, McGinn and McLennan will be more involved, hopefully for the Inverness game at the weekend.
“We are hoping we can get the three of them back.”
Meanwhile, the Dons boss is hopeful of completing more signings by the UEFA deadline for the Europa league qualifying stages which is this Friday, July 5.
Sunderland midfielder Dylan McGeouch is one name who has been heavily linked with the Dons while James Wilson could be handed a return to Pittodrie after his loan spell from Manchester United last year.
McInnes said: “We are still hoping to add to the squad before we register players.”
