Leicester City striker Jamie Vardy is set for an emotional return to Hillsborough tomorrow.
The striker is favourite to replace top-scorer David Nugent, who has been ruled out of the Championship clash against Sheffield Wednesday.
Vardy, a life-long Owls fan, was rejected by Wednesday as a teenager but rebuilt his career in the non-league ranks.
He will now step in for Nugent, who is suffering from a neck injury and is also likely to sit out Tuesday night's match against Leeds at Elland Road.
Although Nugent scored twice in last weekend's 6-0 drubbing of Ipswich, he had to go off inside half-an-hour after the neck injury, which he picked up the week before against Nottingham Forest, worsened.
Nugent has scored nine goals in his last 12 games. Pearson described his absence as a blow, but said he had to treat the injury with caution and that City still have plenty of options.
"It is disappointing because he has been playing well and scoring goals, but it is just something we will have to deal with," said Pearson.
"It is unfortunate, but it is important we make sure he is right before he comes back in.
"It is something like a whiplash injury. He can't function properly and you could see after 20 minutes last week it started to stiffen up again.
"It hindered his ability to perform. Having said that, he got two goals before he came off. But we have options.
"Jamie hasn't been knocking on my door but it is clearly a game he would like to play in, there is no doubt about that.
"I think the timing of his return is very important for us because he does give us another option."
Pearson also has Marko Futacs as a striking option after the big Hungarian went on off the substitute's bench to score his first league goal for City last weekend.
Makeshift left-back Jeff Schlupp could also revert to his usual striking role after Pearson confirmed Paul Konchesky was fit again after an injury.
"Marko coming on against Ipswich and getting his first league goal was a bonus for us," said Pearson.
"He is young and still has a lot to learn, but he gives us a different option and he is not afraid of shooting.
"His opportunities have been limited so far, but he is a player who does give us a different option.
"Konchesky has been back in training this week so he comes back into the squad. I have a nice decision to make."
The loan window closed yesterday without City adding to their squad, or more players heading out, but Pearson did say they had tried to strengthen.
"The players we have inquired after have not been available, so we have to move on," he added.
