Boss Dean Ryan believes tighthead prop Lloyd Fairbrother will get a crucial psychological boost when he makes his return after almost a year on the sidelines.
Popular front row Fairbrother, 30, has been named on the bench for the United Rugby Championship derby with Cardiff at Rodney Parade on Friday (kick-off 7.35pm).
The Cornishman has been out of action for 349 days after rupturing his Achilles against Glasgow Warriors at Cardiff City Stadium last May.
“He has been close to a return for a while now and it has been a long haul,” said the Director of Dragons Rugby.
“Lloyd had a target of getting back before the end of the season and it might only be the last week or so but, after that long period of work, it will get him into a full pre-season.
“When you have only got two games it seems like a small target but psychologically it is quite a big target to enable you to go into next year with real energy. We are pleased to see him back.”
Meanwhile, Ryan has admitted he will weigh up the risks with Fairbrother’s team-mate Ashton Hewitt who ruptured his knee ligaments 13 months ago.
Hewitt, 27, travelled to South Africa in March to continue his rehab but Ryan will not be rushed into handing Hewitt his comeback.
“Ashton moves a bit faster than Lloyd, with all due respect! That is part of the balancing act of risk with him,” said Ryan.
“He is definitely very close but there is a different discussion with Ashton about whether or not he is available next week.”
When you have only got two games it seems like a small target but psychologically it is quite a big target to enable you to go into next year with real energy. We are pleased to see him back...
