Alan Curbishley should have a number of players back in contention for Saturday's visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Boleyn Ground.
Craig Bellamy may figure against his former club after impressing on his return to full training after three weeks out with a minor hamstring problem. The manager has said his forward is "looking sharp" although he has a host of attacking options to consider with Dean Ashton, Freddie Sears and Carlton Cole all in contention as well. The latter was particularly impressive off the bench in the midweek Carling Cup win and is over the back complaint suffered at Manchester City last week.
In midfield, Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Matthew Etherington should all feel the benefit of a rest in midweek. At the back, Valon Behrami should also be fine after coming off against Macclesfield with a facial injury. Behrami has been playing at right-back so far this season with Lucas Neill filling in at left-back, although George McCartney is also available after recovering from a virus. "George coming back was a big bonus," the manager added. "I took the gamble that George was going to have half a game and he stayed on there a little bit longer."
Finally, the manager is expecting to have James Collins and James Tomkins close to contention after the international break, giving further competition to Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport who have struck up a good understanding in the opening games of the season.
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