Manchester United manager David Moyes insists Rio Ferdinand still has a role to play at the club.
The 35-year-old centre-back has made just 13 appearances this season, and only two since November, as he struggles with a knee injury.
Ferdinand's contract is set to expire in the summer but, with Jonny Evans and Phil Jones both having to be substituted during the 2-1 defeat at Stoke at the weekend, Moyes could turn to the former England international for Sunday's home game against Fulham.
"Rio is back training. He's back and we will continue to use Rio at the right times and the right moments," said Moyes.
"Rio has made a great contribution, especially in the first half of the season. I played him in nearly all the opening eight to 10 games. He was a big part in helping me to settle.
"He has competition at centre-half but he is very much valued and looked at as one of the senior players."
Ferdinand's fellow central defender Nemanja Vidic will also be available again this weekend after serving a three-game suspension.