The Perth Wildcats will keep Damian Martin in cotton wool a bit longer but import Terrico White has the green light to return in Friday night's clash with the Breakers in New Zealand.
Martin has been absent for the past four NBL games with a calf injury and will miss the matches against NZ on Friday (away) and Sunday (home).
The captain also injured his calf during the pre-season and coach Trevor Gleeson wants to take a careful approach with the 34-year-old.
"If it was the grand final, he'd be chomping at the bit," Gleeson said.
"But that calf, he hasn't gone through two full practices and that's the minimum standard you're going to have to do.
"They're a little bit tricky calves. It's not like an ankle where it's pretty much defined how long you'll be out. Calves give you false positives that you're ok and you're not."
White missed three games with a hamstring injury but has trained strongly this week and is ready to be unleashed.
Centre Angus Brandt (ankle) will miss Friday's clash but could return for Sunday's re-match at Perth Arena.
However Brandt won't be available for selection for the Boomers next week, with the break to give him time to build fitness.
"I think he's pretty much done with the Boomers," Gleeson said.
"When he comes back he'll be on restricted minutes. He certainly won't be 100 per cent but he's heading that way."
Despite battling injuries to key players, the Wildcats sit on top of the table following a stunning 8-1 start to the season.
NZ are fourth with a 4-5 record.
The Wildcats flew out of Perth on Thursday and Gleeson admitted it was a tough task to play the Breakers in NZ.
"Virtually 8am breakfast NZ time is 3am our time," Gleeson said.
"It's a big adjustment. We'll stay on Perth time."
