Scott Parker revealed this afternoon that Lewis Cook is nearing a return to action, having been out since March with an ACL injury.
The central midfielder was forced off during last season's 1-1 draw with Preston at Deepdale, facing almost seven months on the sidelines as a result.
Parker recently revealed that the central midfielder was back in training and progressing nicely, with next week's under-21s game against Arsenal the targeted return for Cook.
"I'm really pleased with Lewis," he began.
"He's been in full training with us now, in terms of training that hasn't had to be modified, for some time.
"The next step is for him to play a game. Hopefully that game will come here, maybe for the under-21s against Arsenal next week. It would be nice to get some minutes into him then.
"He played in an in-house match here at the weekend and he's come through that well, so again he's moving in the right direction."
Parker continued by giving an update on fellow absentee Junior Stanislas, who hasn't featured since the 2-2 draw with Blackpool in August.
"Junior is also doing well at the moment and he's trained with us fully today.
"It's a steady road for him in that sense, but he's certainly moving in the right direction.
"Hopefully after the international break, he'll be ready for selection. I want to take it easy with him and not push him too much because we want him fit.
"I need him fit, he's an important part of the team, so we want to get some more good work into him and that's definitely taking place.
"We're pleased to see him out there again."
With a tight turnaround from Saturday's game, Parker admitted he was he to keep the momentum going after his side maintained their unbeaten start on Saturday.
"Everyone is alright after Luton.
"Of course, there's a couple of tight bodies, but everyone is all good and all is well.
"There's elements where we've got some winning momentum and you want these games to keep coming, so that you can stay in that momentum.
"Equally, there's also elements where we want to improve and we want to get better.
"That's where having a week in between games gives you an opportunity to get some good work in and you can look at how to improve.
"It's early in the processes, but it is what it is. This is the league and we'll keep going as we are."
Ticket information for next week's Premier League Cup game against Arsenal will be posted in the coming days, with supporters able to come and cheer on the under-21s at Vitality Stadium.
