Exequiel Palacios returns into the Bayer Leverkusen squad when the Bundesliga leaders take a run off 33 games without defeat into a Sunday derby match at regional rivals Cologne.
Coach Xabi Alonso said on Friday that the Argentina midfielder Palacios has overcome his injury problems that have sidelined him since January.
Leverkusen top the league eight points ahead of title holders Bayern Munich but they are taking nothing for granted at Cologne who in third last are fighting relegation.
"We respect Cologne. We have to play the derby with a clear head, but also a lot of heart," Alonso said.
"We're expecting a tough game. It's an important match for both teams. We'll stick to our identity. We've had a whole week to prepare and we have used it well."
Leverkusen comprehensively beat Bayern 3-0 last month before claiming hard-fought 2-1 victories at Heidenheim and against lowly Mainz to keep their streak alive which has also seen them reach the German Cup semi-finals and Europa League last 16.
Winning their Europa League group spared them from having to play mid-week play-off matches last week and the week before, which was welcomed by Alonso.
"The break was good for us. We've had nine days since the last match. There are big games coming up, so we made very good use of the week. The players believe in what we do and implement it every day," the coach said.
