Cameron Jerome could potentially be involved when Derby County face Bristol City in the Sky Bet Championship on Friday night, whilst Gary Rowett could also be boosted by a returning midfielder.
The Rams completed the signing of the 31-year-old striker on Tuesday evening, and he trained with his new teammates for the first time on Wednesday.
Rowett spoke to RamsTV prior to the session, and he although he is wary of rushing his new addition into the team, he refused to rule out including the striker, should he impress out on the pitch during the week.
He said: “We’ve got a 10-day window after this game before the next one, but if he looks strong and sharp in training today (Wednesday), then he could be involved.”
Derby have been without two of their key midfield men in recent weeks, with Joe Ledley and Bradley Johnson both missing the last few games with back injuries.
Whilst Johnson’s issue is more long-term, Ledley could be in line for a return under the lights at Pride Park Stadium on Friday.
Rowett added: “Joe is going to train today, so we’ll see how he gets on. Cameron will be the same because he hasn’t trained a lot recently so we’ll make calls on those players.
“Bradley is the only player out injured at the moment so we’re in a good place.”