Leicester City have been boosted by the return from injury of their full-backs Paul Konchesky and Ritchie De Laet.
But City will be without French winger Anthony Knockaert for the live TV tea-time clash with Derby at Pride Park today (5.20).
Knockaert will be absent because of a family bereavement. No further details were released on what is considered a personal matter.
Konchesky has missed the last two games because of a hamstring problem, while De Laet sat out Tuesday's draw at Cardiff City after receiving a heavy tackle in last Saturday's home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
However, in their absence, Jeff Schlupp and Sean St Ledger performed excellently and manager Nigel Pearson admits they have given him food for thought.
"Ritchie and Paul Konchesky are both training so they will be available," he confirmed.
"So we have got players coming back, and Matty James is out on the training field again, but we will make sure it is at the right level until he is available for selection. We have a few bumps and bruises, but that's all.
"I got asked last week about defensive cover but I never had any qualms about whether the players we have in the squad can go and do a good job.
"We defended very well as a team at Cardiff, but, unfortunately, conceded a late goal which put a different reflection on the game. We played well and we were unlucky not to have won the game."
Pearson is expecting a fierce encounter today between two sides who have struggled for victories lately.
City have won just one of their last eight league games, but that is one victory more than the Rams have achieved in the same period.
"We have not won enough games of late and we have to ensure that between now and the end of the season we win enough games to apply pressure on the teams above us," said Pearson. "That is really the bottom line for us.
"It will be a fierce encounter. They are playing well and at a good tempo. They are a much-improved side.
"We go into the game with a strong squad and players I am sure they will be concerned about. It will be an interesting contest.
"Derbies are always important games for the fans and certainly the players have an understanding of the importance. It will add a little bit of added spice to the fixture.
"But it is our next opportunity to win the game and we have to make sure our performance is spot on."
