Slaven Bilic is considering starting Andy Carroll for West Ham against Burnley as he looks to pull his side away from the Premier League relegation zone.
The England striker is finally fit after his latest injury absence - three-and-a-half months with a knee problem - and has made two substitute appearances against Arsenal and Liverpool.
He scored in the first of those games and after a difficult run of matches, West Ham now face teams nearer them in the table, with a weekend match against Hull also on the horizon.
Bilic said: "We will decide on Wednesday. He came on twice from the bench, now we need to decide whether to use him from the bench or from the start.
"We have two very important games and we have to manage our players to be available in both. I've been talking about Carroll for most of the last season, he's that kind of player.
"It is a big blow when we are missing him. We are not afraid to start him but we have to think twice on how to manage him. We can't look only at Wednesday's game, but we have to look at the bigger picture."
Cheikhou Kouyate is available after missing the 5-1 thrashing by Arsenal and Sunday's 2-2 draw at Anfield with a hamstring injury.
"He trained normally on Monday with all the guys," added Bilic. "He looked all right and looks fit for Wednesday.
"He's a very important player for us and has showed that since he joined the club. When he doesn't play it is a big blow. He's that kind of player."
West Ham climbed out of the bottom three after their battling point at Liverpool but are without a win in six league outings.
Bilic admits they are glad to see the back of their recent tough spell and view two home games against lowlier opposition as a big chance to turn their season around.
"We need to beat Burnley and we need the points," he said. "It has been a difficult schedule and we have been waiting for these home games."