Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez is set for a recall ahead of Sunday's derby with rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford.
Barthez missed the midweek win over Birmingham after suffering hip and thigh damage against Southampton last Saturday.
But reports in Manchester suggest Barthez has made a rapid recovery and will replace Roy Carroll between the sticks.
Nicky Butt, Phil Neville and John O'Shea are hoping for a return to the starting line-up, although changes will probably be kept to a minimum.
Elsewhere, Robbie Keane and Dean Richards are rated as "50-50" by Tottenham manager Glenn Hoddle for tomorrow's visit of Sunderland.
Republic of Ireland striker Keane suffered a swollen ankle; defender Richards injured a knee, both against Newcastle, and were missing from last week's draw at Chelsea.
Anthony Gardner is ruled out after tearing a hamstring against Chelsea, but Hoddle is hoping he may be back in three or four weeks rather than missing the rest of the season as was feared at first.
Liverpool have Steven Gerrard suspended for their game with Middlesbrough at Anfield tomorrow.
Gerrard serves the second match of a three-match ban but Vladimir Smicer returns to the squad after a one-match ban.
Salif Diao may come into the starting line-up in place of Dietmar Hamann, who is not fully match fit after his long lay-off.