Bruce Kamau has recovered from concussion and could start for Melbourne City against his former side Adelaide United in Friday night's A-League clash at AAMI Park.
However, fellow City winger Nicolas Colazo will miss another match after coach John van 't Schip revealed the Argentinian underwent surgery for a perforated ear drum on Wednesday.
The Argentinian will be absent for "a few weeks" after going under the knife to treat his condition.
It's less than ideal for van 't Schip, who must reshape his side for Adelaide's visit just three days after their bruising FFA Cup win over Melbourne Victory.
But the Dutch coach, who has overseen an impressive start to City's season, says he has the cattle to cope with their rigorous schedule of three games in eight days.
"From the start we've said we have a strong group. We have competition," he said on Thursday.
"We're going to see how players feel and if we have to make changes to freshen up or because there are players that aren't completely recovered, we know we can do that."
Kamau's availability helps.
The 21-year-old was the first of van 't Schip's offseason signings, agreeing a deal to move to Melbourne just days after United's A-League triumph last May.
A fierce knock against Perth Glory ruled him out of the Cup derby, and van 't Schip said he was delighted to have him back.
"The team is developing and progressing as a whole," he said.
"The wingers are having a very important role. They're all giving us a lot so we can play a certain style."
Many followed Kamau -- both through Adelaide's exit door, and in finding new homes at the City Football Academy.
Reds coach Guillermo Amor lost seven senior players in the weeks after breaking their title drought, while City's transformation to title contenders came with the arrival of 11.
Perhaps that's why, just three weeks into the season, it's City that have that championship lustre, while United are yet to find their feet.
Every team that has attempted to play a passing and possession game against City this season has been cut down, with Perth's counter-attacking rearguard their only defeat in seven competitive matches.
On Friday night, there's also a revenge element at play.
It was Adelaide that stymied City's bid to finish in the top two last season with a heated 2-0 round 27 win, and then knocked them out of the finals with a 4-1 humbling at Cooper's Stadium.
Other players that have moved between the two clubs - including Osama Malik, Ruon Tongyik (City), Michael Marrone, Ben Garuccio and Marc Marino (United) - add spice to what should be an attacking game.
City sit third on the ladder with six points, while Adelaide have just one point from their opening three matches.