Nathan Collins could make his return from injury on Sunday as Brentford host in-form Aston Villa.
The Republic of Ireland defender has been sidelined by an ankle injury sustained in the Euro 2024 qualifying defeat to the Netherlands in Amsterdam last month.
But Bees boss Thomas Frank has confirmed that the Kildare native has returned to training this week and "could be ready for selection" on Sunday.
Collins, who is in his first season at the club since signing from Wolves in an Irish record deal, had played in all 12 of Brentford's fixtures before November's international break but has since missed four matches, three of which ended in defeat.
While the 22-year-old nears a return, Brentford are reeling from the loss of forward Bryan Mbeumo for three months following ankle surgery.
Mbeumo suffered the injury in the 2-1 league defeat at Brighton on 6 December and has been ruled out until mid-March.
It means the influential Cameroon international, who has struck seven league goals this season, will miss the African Cup of Nations.
"Bryan is a positive guy. It's tough to take but he will come back stronger. He has a very good mindset," Frank said.
Brentord's injury problems are piling up ahead of Sunday's clash with Aston Villa at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Mathias Jensen has been ruled by an adductor problem and Josh Dasilva is sidelined until the new year because of hamstring damage, while Rico Henry, Aaron Hickey, Kevin Schade and Kristoffer Ajer remain in rehabilitation.
Frank admits the list of absentees may force him to recruit reinforcements in the transfer window.
"Almost from game one we've struggled a little bit with injuries, but we still have a good group of players who are willing to fight," Frank said.
"We need to look at it in January, but we never rush into things. We try to be clever and take calm and sensible decisions. We will not take a player if we don't think it's for the longer term.
"Maybe this time a loan, but it depends on how things go over the next three or four weeks."
Elsewhere, Collins' Ireland team-mate Chiedozie Ogbene is back in contention for Luton Town.
The Hatters, who lost narrowly to Manchester City and Arsenal in their most recent fixtures, will visit a Bournemouth side that beat Manchester United 3-0 away last Saturday.
Ogbene played 28 minutes against Arsenal last Tuesday but missed the 2-1 loss to City five days later amid a hamstring issue.
But he has now returned to fitness in time to be involved against the Cherries this weekend.
Additional reporting: PA
