Peterborough United boss Jim Gannon has been boosted by the return of centre back Gabriel Zakuani, who came through Wednesday's reserve team fixture with Watford unscathed.

Zakuani, who has been sidelined for over two months with a groin injury, played over an hour on a heavy surface at London Road and Gannon was thrilled to have the former Fulham man back in contention for a starting role.

'It is a big boost for us to have Gabi back particularly as Exodus Geohaghon had to come off at half-time in the reserve team game because of a foot problem. Gabi looked pretty solid and it is important for him to get an hour under his belt because he has been out of action for so long.

'Ryan Bennett sustained an ankle injury before the Sheffield United game, so it is important that Gabi is back and he will be challenging for a start alongside Craig Morgan.

'The only real issue is lack of match fitness for Gabi. We have the option of Charlie Lee who has been used as an emergency centre half this season, but Gabi is one one of the club's outstanding defenders and we may use the match at Swansea to get him some game time,' Gannon said.

The Posh boss also confirmed that midfielder Josh Simpson should overcome a slight strain to continue in midfield at the Liberty Stadium this weekend. Bennett could be out for anything up to a month following the ankle injury he sustained last Friday.