Johor Darul Ta'zim utility player Junior Eldstal is poised for a comeback after more than six weeks out with a hamstring injury.
The Malaysia international, who can play in the midfield or at centre-back, is likely to be in the JDT squad for upcoming games against PDRM FA (Malaysia Super League, Sunday) and Lao Toyota FC (AFC Cup, March 16).
Eldstal, 24, who was born in Sabah but grew up in England, has declared to JDT head coach Mario Gomez that he is fit to return.
"It feels amazing to be making my comeback, having been out for so long," Eldstal told ESPN FC.
"For me, I've got to keep working hard and prove to the coach that I'm an asset in the team and if he needs me to take my chance."
Eldstal partially tore his hamstring in JDT's preseason friendly against Singapore's Geylang International on Jan. 26. He suffered the setback after coming back from a long term Achilles injury that saw him miss the end of JDT's 2015 AFC Cup campaign, including last October's final against Tajikistan's FC Istiklol.
"When the final was on, I was actually back in the UK having rehab so it was obviously disappointing not to be with the team, having played a massive part in the group stage and quarterfinal," he said. "Hats off to them because they deserve it."
Looking to defend their title in the 2016 AFC Cup, JDT returned to Malaysia on Thursday after a 1-0 victory away to India's Bengaluru FC.
With two matches in four days starting at the weekend, Eldstal tempers his eagerness to return with a degree of caution.
"Mario and I have a good relationship and he knows that I work hard off the pitch. He's telling to make sure I stay injury free," he said.
"Who wants to play and get injured three or four times a season? I think this year's important for me to knuckle down and really look after my recovery.
"Obviously the team's winning and that's what is most important."
Having joined JDT in 2015 after two seasons with Sarawak, Eldstal quickly became a key member of the star-laden Southern Tigers' squad. He says that the grand ambitions of the club will ensure that they become an even greater force in Southeast Asian football in the coming seasons.
"They're an amazing club, what they're doing for Malaysian football in general," he said.
"With the facilities that we have, you wake up in the morning and you want to go to work. You feel lucky. What the Prince has done for the players is next to none."
Having earned seven full caps since making his debut in 2014, Eldstal could be considered for Malaysia's 2018 AFC World Cup qualifier against Saudi Arabia on March 24 if he gets a couple of matches under his belt with JDT.