Midfielder Luke Freeman has taken the first steps towards a comeback for Nottingham Forest, having returned to training this week.
The Sheffield United loanee has been sidelined since November due to a hernia problem which required surgery, with his last appearance for the Reds a 2-0 defeat at Barnsley.
It is likely to take at least a couple more weeks for Freeman, who has made 10 appearances so far this season, to build up his fitness before being available for selection.
But the fact he is edging closer to a return is welcome news for boss Chris Hughton, with the 28-year-old able to provide another attacking option when he is back.
“Thursday was his first day of completing full training,” Hughton said, in his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday’s clash with Millwall.
“He’s had a couple of days of just being partly involved.
“At the moment, it’s good news - he’s pain free, which is the first time that’s been the case for a while.
“The thing with Luke now is getting that balance between doing everything right with him and fast-tracking him.
“We’ll get a feel from training of how he is the next day.
“But it’s really good to have him back.”
Jack Colback remains on the sidelines with an ankle problem and is expected to be absent for another few weeks yet, while Hughton said of fellow midfielder Fouad Bachirou last week: “Bachirou has been in and out of training a little bit, but is training.”
Forest are aiming to make it seven games unbeaten in all competitions when they face the Lions at the City Ground.
Winger Anthony Knockaert is available for selection again, following confirmation his loan from Fulham has been extended until the end of the season.
