West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has pledged to be patient with Kieron Dyer during his latest return from injury.
The injury-jinxed midfielder is available for selection for the first time since picking up a hamstring problem at the end of September.
But following his chequered history with serious injury, Zola is taking no chances with the 30-year-old fitness.
"He's an important player and he's a quality player. It's good to have him back available," said Zola ahead of Saturday's Premier League meeting with Sunderland.
"When Kieron Dyer is fit he can bring something different but what we don't want right now is more setbacks.
"I don't want to put pressure on him. He's been out for a long time. I'm seeing him very positive, he's bright and he just needs to train a lot and be able to play to his standard for a long period.
"I don't think he will start but I have yet to make a decision."