Lukic, a £9m summer signing from Fulham, made an encouraging start to life with the Blues.

The 30-year-old has now missed three games with a groin injury though, not featuring against Man City, Nottingham Forest and Hull City.

"It was a discussion yesterday around whether we push him for the bench," revealed O'Neil, following on from his side's 2-2 draw at the MKM Stadium.

"If he hadn't been out so long, we probably would have because his groin is feeling fine now. It just felt better for him to get his work in. He'll join the group on Monday, full training, and it gives him a full run up into Bournemouth (home on Sunday).

"He probably hasn't done quite enough with the group to have put him back in. But he is feeling good.

"He worked really hard on the grass yesterday. I received a message a while ago saying he had a good day again on the grass today.

"I am aware that I've said this for the last three weeks, but we will see Sasa at the weekend.

"Obviously, anything can happen. He could suffer a setback or a new injury. But all being well, we expect to see him next weekend."