Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone has said defender Diego Godin is on track to play in Sunday's La Liga game at Valencia after making a swift recovery from injury.
The club said centre-back Godin had sprained ligaments in his left ankle in the midweek Champions League win over Bayern Munich and appeared set for a spell on the sidelines.
However the Uruguay international trained with teammates on Saturday and has been included in the squad.
Simeone, who is definitely without backup centre half Jose Maria Gimenez, told his prematch news conference that Godin should be able to play against Valencia.
"We do not think he [Godin] will miss the game," the coach said. "We believe he will be there. He is strong, he has a tough ankle. He has trained well, and I think he is going to play."
Atletico can move to the top of the table if they win at the Mestalla against a Valencia side poised to be taken over by ex-Italy boss Cesare Prandelli next week.
But Simeone said: "We do not worry too much about the situations of our opponents.
"I look to see that the team is training well and also in how to stop Valencia's pace in attack from doing us damage.
"We must start the game at Valencia with intensity and strong concentration. Valencia have won their last two games, and that will boost the morale of any team."
Meanwhile, Simeone said he was unsure whether his club would be signing a replacement for midfielder Augusto Fernandez, out until next year after a knee ligament operation.
Atletico are under a FIFA transfer ban imposed for breaking youth transfer regulations and the coach said: "The club is looking to see if there is an option to bring in another player for Augusto. I have no confirmation."