Fulham midfielder Danny Murphy is set to return on Thursday night, in the Europa League game against CSKA Sofia, following a six-week absence with a knee problem.
It is a welcome boost for the Cottagers, who have Erik Nevland, Paul Konchesky and Jonathan Greening all suspended, while the likes of Eddie Johnson, Seol Ki-Hyeon and Kagisho Dikgacoi are not eligible.
"Danny Murphy will start, and it would be nice if he could play the full 90 minutes, but we are realistic," said Fulham manager Roy Hodgson.
"It is a long while since he has played.
"We might have to accept it does not work out for us over 90 minutes, but that is the plan."
Fulham are currently third in the group, with five points from four matches.
However, victory over the Bulgarians on Thursday night and then away to Basel could still see them reach the next stage.
Hodgson said: "We have certainly not given up hope, albeit in situations where a risk has to be taken with a player, we make no bones that we have always erred on the side of the Premier League.
"Having said that, it has not cost us too much so far and we are still in with a shout of qualifying."