HANOVER, N.J. – The New York Red Bulls have excelled despite a battered and bruised backline.

Now, they are one step closer to full health.

Both Ronald Zubar and Roy Miller returned to training with the New York Red Bulls this week and are eligible for selection for this Friday’s tilt against the San Jose Earthquakes at Red Bull Arena.

“Today was a big step in the right direction and we thought it would be, so we are on pace for them to be available,” head coach Jesse Marsch told reporters Tuesday afternoon. “Then hopefully there will be a decision to use them from the start or off the bench.”

Zubar has been out since the very first match of the season, picking up a knock against Sporting KC at Sporting Park late in the second half. Roy Miller, however, has been out of action since preseason, picking up a knee injury during training in the lead up to the season.

With Matt Miazga and Kemar Lawrence playing integral roles in the Red Bulls’ early success, Marsch will be forced to make difficult decisions ahead of Friday’s encounter. “I think that Roy and Ronald are both established guys who have earned the right to be treated as starters,” Marsch explained, adding that “Matt and Kemar have filled in very well.”

“It will come down to decisions. We haven’t even really started the discussion yet because we are just focused on getting them both available, but I know both Ronald and Roy will play big roles.”

How big of a role remains a major question. When asked about their fitness, Marsch acknowledged both men were “behind a little bit” coming off of their injuries. However, he expressed satisfaction in their progress and would not rule out starting roles for either man.

“Given everything, this is their first real training session, they looked pretty sharp. It will just be a matter of getting them up to speed, speed of play, sharpness. That won’t take too long.”