Both players have been sidelined for extended periods. Hickey has been out since October 2023, while summer signing Thiago has only managed four games this season.

"Everyone who was available last week for the Arsenal game is available again," Frank said on Friday.

"And both Igor Thiago and Aaron Hickey are getting closer to returning, so it's all looking good."

With a crucial match against Brighton later today, Frank is keeping his sights high. "We have plenty to aim for still," he insisted.

"The simplest goal is to finish as high as possible, and a top-10 finish would be fantastic for the club. Everyone is talking about Europe, and that's tough. If we want any ambition about that, we need to win on Saturday against a team that also needs to win!"

"It's going to be a good game."