Cirio sustained a MCL injury in the 2-1 Round Two loss to Western Sydney Wanderers from Jack Clisby’s tackle.

The Spaniard played the final 30 minutes of the 4-0 loss to Brisbane Roar on Sunday and is in strong contention to start against the Jets.

Isaias also returns from suspension and Kitto felt the key returns were crucial for progress.

“Sergio Cirio now coming back in the squad, we’re only going to get stronger. We’re feeling confident, very optimistic,” Kitto said.

“He’s been training really well, we saw the impact he had when he came on last week so we can’t wait to have him back out there he’s a really important player for us.

“We’re still positive and believe, we know we have the players there and we’re continually getting players back.

“I’m sure they’re all hungry and they will want to play, so they’ll be doing their best as they do every week. They’ll go and do their job in the team and then it’s up to the coach to decide.”

With the AFC Asian Champions League (ACL) fast approaching, United is desperate to get wins on the board as it sits last on the table with six points from 10 games.

Adelaide learnt on Tuesday that Chinese based Jiangsu Suning and South Korean side and 2016 ACL champions Jeonbuk Motors will be two of the three teams it will face in the tournament with the third to be determined.

Kitto was still taking positives from the performance in the 4-0 smashing and felt it was time to “get back to basics” against the Jets.

He was also wary of the return of Jets captain Nigel Boogaard who was sidelined with a knee injury in Round Six.

Morten Nordstrand and Lachlan Jackson are also in contention as the depleted Jets still have three key outs.

It will also be Kitto’s second return to Newcastle after leaving the Jets at the end of the 2015/16 season and was looking forward to playing at McDonald Jones Stadium.

“It’s been good to get some game time it’s been the best way to improve,” he said.

“I’ve been inconsistent at times but I’m continually learning off the senior players and coaches and hopefully I’ll only get better.

“He’s (Boogaard) an important player for them so whether they bring him or not, but they played really well last week.

“We’ve got to be prepared for them and we know they’ll give 100 per cent won’t give up, so it’ll be a good game.”