However, fellow forward Franco di Santo could be out for up to three months with an ankle problem, while captain Gary Caldwell - who has been out since mid-November with a thigh injury - is unlikely to be risked.

James McCarthy (ankle) and Victor Moses (shoulder) are long-term absentees.

Provisional squad: Al Habsi, Stam, Gohouri, Alcaraz, Figueroa, Diame, Thomas, N'Zogbia, Gomez, Cleverley, Rodallega, Pollitt, Boyce, S Caldwell, Watson, Boselli, McArthur, McManaman.