Perth Glory coach Kenny Lowe says he can't afford to roll the dice with too many underdone players for Friday night's A-League clash with Adelaide United at nib Stadium.
Star striker Adam Taggart (calf) and midfielder Brandon Wilson (quad) are a chance to play against United after returning to training duties this week.
But with winger Chris Harold also in doubt after picking up a knock in last week's 4-1 loss to Sydney FC, Lowe faces a tough call as to which players to include.
Taggart hasn't played since scoring a double in round one, while Wilson missed one match.
"We can't have too many on the bench that can only do 10 minutes each," Lowe said. "If someone rolls over in the first minute, you've got to be able to go.
"Maybe you can gamble on one player on the bench not being able to do that. But not all of them."
Glory have sorely missed Taggart's scoring exploits in recent weeks.
The 23-year-old has been dogged by injuries over the past two years, and Lowe is reluctant to play his star striker until he's fully fit.
"I guess there's a possibility [he'll play]," Lowe said. "But he's been out five weeks, and he's only had maybe one proper session.
"So it might be a bit premature. But we'll see.
"We've got a few knocks and niggles in other areas that may eventuate an opening for him."
Perth will be bolstered by the return of Josh Risdon, who was an unused substitute in Australia's 2-2 World Cup qualifying draw with Thailand.
Glory have slipped to fifth spot following two losses and a draw from their past three games, but Lowe isn't panicking just yet.
"We're in a good space," Lowe said. "Everyone has ups and downs. That's the way it is.
"At the moment, everybody -- us included -- want more points. The only people who can't have more points is Sydney.
"Hopefully on Friday we can get some."
Adelaide sit in last spot with just two points to show from six games.
