Ghana defender John Mensah is ready to play through the pain barrier for Sunderland in their trip to Wolverhampton this Saturday.
Mensah, who missed much of his first season on loan at the Stadium of Light with a series of injuries linked to a persistent back problem, has missed the last three games with a dislocated shoulder.
However, he returned to training today three weeks ahead of schedule, and while clearly still in pain, has told Steve Bruce he is ready to help plug the gap left by two of the club's most consistent performers to date.
The manager admits he would be taking a big risk if he named Mensah in the starting line-up but with his options limited, that is the one he currently appears to favour.
Bruce said: "It would be a big gamble. It's a gamble, but with his ability, if he can do it, I am prepared to make that gamble - if he can do it.
"He trained to day with it - in pain, I have to say - but he wants to try to give it a go, so a lot will depend on him.
"It's typical of him - he comes in and wants to train, which is probably three weeks quicker than he should be.
"But he wants to give it a go, so let's hope the specialists are right. They don't think by him training on it he can do any more damage, that's the most important thing.
"But it is sore, as you can imagine. John trained this morning and came through it and if he comes through tomorrow, then it will be his call."