Mitchell Moses has been named to return from a finger injury in a timely boost for Parramatta, who face a tough battle to clinch a NRL finals spot.
The Eels missed Moses' playmaking abilities in Friday's hefty defeat to South Sydney, which has left them in seventh position and in danger of missing the top eight.
But the halfback is on track to return a week earlier than expected and face Canterbury on Saturday.
Lose to the Bulldogs, and the Eels may need to beat two top-eight sides, Brisbane and Melbourne, to avoid missing the top eight for the first time since 2018.
"Obviously our season is on the line," Eels forward Ryan Matterson told reporters.
"At the moment, the points are close for all the sides in the top eight and even ninth and 10th.
"We do need (Moses) back. He's a key player.
"Having someone of his calibre back in the side would be good."
Matterson said Moses could not be expected to secure victory single-handedly, though.
"The focus is owning your role and doing what you need to do for the team," he said.
Penrith's fullback Dylan Edwards returns to face South Sydney, who welcome back halfback Lachlan Ilias from a hamstring injury and centre Campbell Graham from a facial fracture.
Rabbitohs fullback Latrell Mitchell has been named to play in the Thursday clash despite finishing training early on Monday with a groin issue.
State of Origin representative Liam Martin was also named to play after his ankle injury was revealed not to be as serious as Penrith initially suspected.
Melbourne's Jahrome Hughes will return to the halves against Brisbane on Friday after overcoming the shoulder injury that forced him out of round 22.
One of Melbourne's rivals for a spot in the top two, Cronulla welcome back their playmaker Matt Moylan, who has recovered from a quad injury in time to face Manly on Saturday.
Sharks centre Siosifa Talakai is still sidelined with the shoulder injury he has been nursing since Origin but winger Connor Tracey returns from the brutal head knock he suffered in round 21.
Front-rowers Lindsay Collins (concussion) and Sio Siua Taukeiaho (cheekbone) are still at least another week away for the Sydney Roosters, who are hoping to solidify their spot in the top eight with a win over Wests Tigers on Saturday night.
Canberra likely need to win each of their remaining games to play finals football and the return of in-form prop Joe Tapine from a rib injury for Sunday's clash with Newcastle should help them achieve that goal.
Newcastle's decision to stand Bradman Best and Enari Tuala down for disciplinary reasons has opened the door for Krystian Mapapalangi to make his NRL debut at centre against the Raiders.
Australian Associated Press
