Liverpool's fans will finally get the chance to welcome #20million Alberto Aquilani to Anfield.
The Italy international, signed in August, has been recovering from a knee operation since.
Now, having also overcome a recent virus problem, the 25-year-old seems certain to make his Barclays Premier League debut for the club against Birmingham at Anfield.
The fans have waited so long to see the man bought to replace Xabi Alonso, so he can expect a hero's reception.
Certainly his appearance in the squad will give Liverpool's worried support something to cheer with fitness doubts surrounding Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
Manager Rafael Benitez looks likely to name Aquilani on the bench, and give him the opportunity of a cameo appearance in the second half.
Benitez said: "It could be the time to let the Anfield fans see Aquilani at last.
"He has been getting fitter and had a short spell in a reserve game and then a few minutes at Arsenal in the Carling Cup.
"We had him with us in Lyon last week and I did want to bring him on. But Lucas and Javier Mascherano were controlling the game.
"So we waited a bit, we did not want to change the way the side were playing, even though he could have come on. Then we scored and there was no need to use him, it was just a shame we conceded so late.
"He was almost over the virus and he will certainly be much better on Monday.
"He has trained well. He does not have match fitness, but the only way to improve that is to play him in games.
"We have more players available now, so maybe he can be on the bench and then come on to change the game if necessary. He will certainly be involved."
Torres has the better chance of being involved against the Midlanders as he struggles with a groin problem.
Gerrard has barely trained for a fortnight, but Benitez was pleased with his involvement in a training sessionon Saturday and his chances of facing Birmingham improved.
Fabio Aurelio, Martin Skrtel and Albert Riera are also likely to return from injuries. Glen Johnson has also improved his after training this weekend, but he and Martin Kelly are still struggling.
Birmingham midfielder Barry Ferguson is suspended for the clash.
The former Scotland international was sent off for two bookable offences during Sunday's goalless draw with Manchester City and could be replaced by Lee Carsley.
On-loan goalkeeper Joe Hart is available after being ineligible to face his parent club although deputy Maik Taylor impressed against Mark Hughes' side.
Winger Keith Fahey is battling to overcome a knock to his knee in training but striker Garry O'Connor is still troubled by a groin problem and is a doubt.
Defender Scott Dann is backing his boyhood heroes Liverpool to recover from their current dip in fortunes - but hopes any revival will not start until after the clash between the two clubs.
Dann was born on Merseyside and used to be a Kop season ticket holder along with his father.
But he hopes Alex McLeish's side can take advantage of Liverpool's current plight.
Dann, signed from Coventry during the close season, said: "I think this is just a blip for Liverpool. I think they've won only one out of eight and they've got too many good players to be losing that many games.
"They're missing the big players and, when you miss your better players, then you won't get as many results.
"In a way, it gives you a lift, knowing that they've got quite a few players out, and knowing that you've got more chance of getting a result.
"But the longer that their poor run goes on, then they'll be trying extra hard to turn it around. It can work both ways but we've just got to stick to our own game.
"I think they'll start picking up soon - but hopefully it's after our game with them."
