Valon Behrami could make his first appearance of the 2009/10 season in Tuesday's Barclays Premier Reserve League South visit of Birmingham City to the Boleyn Ground.
Switzerland midfielder Behrami has been out of action since suffering a knee ligament injury in West Ham United's 1-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Manchester City on 1 March. He is in full training and reserve-team manager Alex Dyer should name him in his squad to face the Blues. A good crowd is expected with the club offering free admission.
Dyer said: "It will be good for us to have a couple of experienced heads in the side, and good for them as well. Hopefully Valon will be back and it will be good for us to see him out on the field again.
"It's good for the club. That's what reserve-team football is all about - getting those experienced boys back and playing. It gives them competitive football and the younger ones can also learn from them.
"It is the best way to learn when you are playing with experienced players, because they give you that little bit that, perhaps, the coach cannot give you from the sidelines."
Dyer's reserves began their campaign with a 2-1 defeat by reigning league champions Aston Villa at Villa Park a week ago, and the manager is eager to bounce back to winning ways against Birmingham. The Blues opened their own Barclays Premier Reserve League South season with a 4-0 home loss to Arsenal.
"I'm looking forward to the game. I was down after the Aston Villa game because I want the boys to go to places and to perform and I thought we could do better. We want to set good standards at this club. They worked hard and played hard and, as long as we tighten up on a couple of things, we'll be alright."
Tuesday's match kicks off at 7pm, with free admission for all supporters. Please note that the West Stand will be the only part of the Boleyn Ground open on the night.