Notts County manager John Sheridan says striker Jon Stead will feature in his squad for this weekend's Emirates FA Cup second-round tie with Peterborough United.
Stead, 33, has not played for the Magpies since limping off at half-time of the 1-1 draw with Crewe on 15 October with an ankle injury.
With nine goals to his name so far in this campaign, Stead is Notts' top scorer and it will be a huge boost to see him return to first-team action.
Sheridan said: "Jon is back and will be involved in the squad but I don't think he is going to be ready for a start.
"He was going to be involved in the reserve game on Tuesday but it was postponed. It would have been good for him to get a bit of football under his belt.
"Jon has worked hard to get back as quickly and he is champing at the bit to get a game."