Coach Claudio Ranieri is weighing up whether to give maverick striker Adriano a rare start in AS Roma's decisive Champions League match with CFR Cluj on Wednesday.
Roma needs a point to guarantee its place in the knockout rounds from Group E.
The Brazilian arrived to great acclaim in the summer, but he has barely played this season as he's struggled with injury and ongoing fitness problems.
However, Adriano made his first Serie A start in the 2-2 draw with Chievo Verona on Saturday and clipped the bar with an early free kick.
"I was pleased with Adriano's performance," Ranieri said. "I saw two weeks ago he was more determined and once he was back in shape I put him in the starting team. He's on the right track.
"There's already a great deal of the team in place; we have a nucleus, we have the players, but we still need to improve."
Brazilian defender Juan is back in the squad after having had to drop out of the trip to Chievo Verona at the last minute for personal reasons, but John Arne Riise and Simone Perrotta are out.
Cluj will seek to finish on a high after the club sacked coach Sorin Cartu for smashing a window during the 1-0 loss to FC Basel on Nov. 23.
Alin Minteuan has since taken over as coach, and led the team to a win and a draw in the Romanian league.
UEFA also imposed a one-match suspension, fined Cartu 10,000 euros ($13,100), and ordered him to contact Basel and settle the costs of the damage caused.
Having already qualified for the knockout rounds, last season's runner-up Bayern Munich will continue to use the Champions League to give its fringe players experience.
Reserve goalkeeper Thomas Kraft is the main beneficiary after he made his Munich debut in the 3-2 loss to Roma last time out. Now he is set to make his home debut against Basel.
"I'm thrilled about playing," Kraft said. "It's an excellent opportunity for me to show I have what it takes. I want to play as often as possible.
"It's easier to play for the first team than the reserves. I'll try and put myself forward for more regular football. Naturally, I'd like to be playing in the Bundesliga every weekend at some point."
Basel needs to beat Munich and then hope that Cluj overcomes Roma to allow it to qualify.
The Swiss side holds the advantage after winning 3-1 at home and then losing 3-2 in Rome.
In the Swiss Superleague, Basel is joint first following a 3-1 win over BSC Young Boys.
