CURTIS Nelson's chances of making a playing return next week are likely to rest on today's training session.

The centre back, who was a major summer signing for Oxford United, has been sidelined since mid-August with a foot injury.

Nelson has been gradually stepping up his training in the last few days and next Tuesday's Checkatrade Trophy tie at Swindon Town offers a good opportunity to ease him back into first-team action.

But before making a decision, head coach Michael Appleton wants to see the 23-year-old prove himself – and today's session provides a useful benchmark.

He said: "A Thursday session before a Saturday game is quite intense, so if he can get himself through one of those it will go a long way to making me feel comfortable he's ready to go back in.

"It's a pain threshold thing really.

"As long as he doesn't get a reaction from training you tend to be quite happy with it."