Steve Bruce wants Florian Lejeune to take part in a behind-closed-doors game before easing him back into the rough and tumble of the Premier League.
And Bruce has also hinted that Sunday may also come too soon for returning winger Matt Ritchie, despite the Scotland international being back in full training.
Lejeune has been out of action since April when he suffered a long-term knee injury in a 1-0 defeat against Crystal Palace.
The Frenchman has also been back in full training this week after getting the green light from a specialist in Rome.
When asked if the pair would be ready for Sunday, Bruce replied: “I think Sunday will be too early.
“The big thing with Flo was it's been a cruciate (ligament) and I would like to see him get something behind closed doors - a game of some sort.
“I've set a target of maybe after the international break with Flo.
“He's made great progress.”
Ritchie is back from a Middle East training camp after being sidelined since August with an ankle problem.
Bruce said: “Matt Ritchie did a week's intensive course, last week - fitness levels.
“He's trained for two days but we mustn’t forget he's been out for two months, as well.
“So, great to see them back in, and in and around it.
“The weekend, I would think, might be a little too early.”
Although, it is believed that Ritchie is pushing his case behind the scenes to play a part this weekend and has a couple more sessions to convince Bruce he can play.
