VINCE Grella is expected to be in contention for a first-team return against Arsenal on Saturday after seven months on the sidelines.

Grella has not played a competitive match for the first team since Blackburn Rovers’ defeat at Aston Villa in February because of Achilles problems but successfully came through Monday’s reserve match against Wolves.

The 31-year-old, now in the final season of his four-year contract at Ewood after being beset by injuries since his arrival at Rovers, completed 90 minutes against Wolves after also featuring in a behind closed doors friendly against Celtic last week.

Grella had an operation on his Achilles in March and made one previous comeback in pre-season before being forced out of action again, with Rovers boss Steve Kean deciding Sunday’s game at Fulham was a little too soon to rush the Australian back.

Confirming Grella had come through Monday’s second string game unscathed, reserve team boss Gary Bowyer said: "I’m delighted for him.

"It’s been a while since he had 90 minutes and backed up with what he had last week hopefully he will be pushing on the first team door."

Rovers will also assess the fitness of Junior Hoilett (concussion), Chris Samba (back), David Dunn (calf), Morten Gamst Pedersen (thigh) and Ryan Nelsen (knee) ahead of the home game against Arsenal.

Read Kevin Gallacher's column only in today's Lancashire Telegraph newspaper.