Rangers could have James Tavernier back for Sunday's Scottish Cup clash with Celtic after he returned to full training on Friday.
The Ibrox skipper hasn't played since the 4-3 win over Antwerp in February, but is closing in on a return to the first team this weekend.
But Steven Gerrard warned that he will only be involved if he comes through two strong training sessions because he doesn't want to take any risks with his captain.
The Rangers star has missed nine games since picking up the knee injury but it would be a major boost to the Ibrox side if he returned to the team.
Nathan Patterson has impressed since getting a chance but is likely to miss games when his Covid appeal is heard on Tuesday.
And Gerrard said: "James will train with the team today. It’s full contact for the first time. Yesterday he trained but there were conditions on him and everyone else around him because it was his first time in and around bodies.
"He’ll train with full contact today. It’s a situation we’ll make a real late call on.
"We’ll see how he trains today and tomorrow, there’s two big sessions in terms of preparation.
"The good news is he’s on the verge and assuming he has two strong sessions will probably push me towards involving him but I’m not in a position to make that decision just yet because it’s Friday and we’ve got to train today and train tomorrow.
"I’d be making a real premature judgement on James."
