Nigel Pearson admits George Tanner could be back in contention for first-team action after the Easter period following back-to-back performances in the Under-23s.
There were also positive updates on midfielders Andy King and Callum O'Dowda but the manager admitted defender Tomas Kalas is unlikely to feature again this season.
Tanner made his comeback from a hamstring injury picked up against Queens Park Rangers at the end of December in the U23's draw with Watford last week - earning 45 minutes before being taken off.
Pearson referenced his performance as "rusty" in his press conference after the game but he managed another 60 minutes under his belt on Tuesday before training with the first-team on Wednesday.
The right wing-back spot has been an ongoing issue for City, particularly after Tanner's injury but Pearson admitted it won't be long before he is brought back into contention.
He said in his pre-match press conference: "Tanner played 60 minutes and has trained with us today so he's making good progress.
"Probably not (in contention) for this weekend, no - maybe once the Easter programme is out the way we might be in more of a position where we can start to consider him more. He's working hard and he has made some decent progress.
"I thought yesterday compared to his other appearance for the U23s looked a lot more in control and more confident which is good.
"We don't want players going into the game with question marks over whether they are quite right or robust enough to deal with it. So he's doing okay."
Pearson also admitted both King and O'Dowda are closing on a return and may be fit for the trip to Derby County on April 23 - the third from final game of the season.
King hasn't played since January 22 when he injured his hamstring in the victory over Cardiff while O'Dowda's last game came in a 19-minute cameo at home to Reading.
The manager added: "They've both trained fully with us. Andy may be in contention for next week but I won't put a definitive time on that. Callum's getting closer as well. I think over the week or next 10 days they might be available for selection."
One player who won't be back anytime soon is defender Kalas who underwent surgery on an ongoing groin issue on Monday. The Czech Republic international has missed the last five matches, including over the international break, and is unlikely to feature again this campaign.
"Tomas had a procedure the other day and will be out for another three or four weeks," he said. "So that probably takes care of the season but you never know you might see him back on the pitch but probably not.
"I think mentally, as well, the way Tomas plays as well he does throw himself around and he's committed so it's more about him getting that recovery right now."
Pearson also provided an update on Joe Williams, admitting he will play in either the Friday clash at Stoke or the home contest against Sheffield United on the Monday to ensure he doesn't aggravate his ongoing hamstring problems.
"If he plays on Friday then he won't play on Monday basically is what I'm saying," Pearson added. "The thought process is to try and allow him to have similar distances between games. That's the best way to look at it. He'll be playing in one and not the other. He's trained really well this week.
"It's not about negotiating the rest of the season, it's about making sure he has a really good foundation for next season too, that's really important."
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