Dutchman Frank van der Struijk could be back in contention for involvement when Dundee United head for Raith Rovers on Saturday.
The right-back missed the wins over Hibs and Ayr United after picking up a leg problem in the draw at Morton last month.
But he’s been increasing his work in training and has a chance of being on duty at Stark’s Park.
“Frank’s improving and we’ll see how he is over the next couple of days,” said gaffer Ray McKinnon.
“Getting him back would give us more options and he has been doing well for us.”
As the Tele revealed earlier in the week, this game will come too soon for Paul Dixon and Simon Murray.
But hopes they will be available for the Christmas Eve clash with St Mirren at Tannadice are increasing.
This weekend’s game with be the last time for almost a month Arabs will see their team in action at 3pm on a Saturday.
The St Mirren game kicks-off at 12.30pm and the trip to Dumbarton on Hogmanay has a 1.30pm start.
Then United travel to promotion rivals Hibs on January 6 for a game to be played under the Friday night lights.
They won’t resume normal Saturday afternoon duty until the home date with Queen of the South on the 14th of next month.
Yesterday saw the Development Squad return from the long trek to Ross County pointless.
The kids went down 3-1, with an Ali Coote penalty midway through the second half proving the only reward for their efforts.
They’ll have a quick chance to redeem themselves when they face Dundee today.
That one’s taking place at Links Park, Montrose, and has a 2pm kick-off.
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