Dundalk may keep Robbie Benson in reserve until their Champions League campaign begins.
The midfielder broke his leg in the opening game of the season against Sligo Rovers and hasn’t played since.
But he is close to featuring again, although tonight’s top-of-the-table clash with Shamrock Rovers will come too soon.
Lilywhites head coach Vinny Perth said: “He's very close and he trained this week as normal. He's there or thereabouts.
“Robbie being Robbie, he has one eye on Europe. It's always his favourite time of the year, whether it's (goals against) BATE or Legia so maybe we'll keep him for that.”
Dundalk face the Latvian champions Riga FC at Oriel Park on July 10 and then away on July 17.
Stephen O’Donnell - the former Lilywhites skipper turned coach and opposition analyst - was in Latvia last Friday to see Riga smash Spartaks Jurmala 6-1.
Perth said: "It probably confirmed what we thought it would be. In 2016 we played FH and went through on away goals.
“Last year we played a team from Tallinn and we got over the line but it was a difficult game. I see them around that standard, similar to ourselves.
“They've signed a new centre-forward and I'm hearing they're looking to invest in the squad ahead of the European tie because they see it as an opportunity.
“They would probably have wanted us or the Welsh side so they'll see it as a favourable draw. It's exactly what we thought”
And Perth hopes to get a first hand look at Riga himself, adding: “Myself. John Gill or Ruaidhri Higgins will definitely see them once.
“Stephen will see them again so we'll have seen them three times live by the time we play them.”
And Perth refused to rule out further signings this summer having sealed a return for Andy Boyle earlier in the week.
He added: “When you look at the players we've signed it's been 20/21/22 year olds.
“Unless there’s someone in that age group who is available, I don't see a whole change to the squad. It's difficult enough to pick a squad if everyone is fit.”
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