Head coach Sabri Lamouchi says it was his “choice” to leave Samba Sow out of the Nottingham Forest matchday squad against Huddersfield Town.
The midfielder has not played since February due to a knee problem, and has been absent for the first two games of the Championship restart.
There was a return for Ben Watson in the 3-1 success at the City Ground - after the skipper had missed last week’s 1-1 draw at Sheffield Wednesday.
But Sow was not included in the 20 to face the Terriers.
Lamouchi says the summer signing was available, however, and could be in line to take on Bristol City on Wednesday.
“Samba Sow was in the group with us,” said the Frenchman. “It was my choice, because some other players are more ready than him.
“But he is available.
“Probably, with the game in three days, Samba Sow (could play), but also the others - Alfa Semedo - I need everyone.”
Forest returned to winning ways on home soil - albeit in front of empty stands - as two from Lewis Grabban and one goal from Ryan Yates secured three points.
The result moved them up to fourth in the table, ahead of Fulham on goal difference, with seven games left to play.
