Ronald Zubar is ready to return to the Red Bulls starting XI.

No. For real this time.

The 29-year-old French defender hasn’t played a single minute since picking up an injury on opening day against Sporting KC at Sporting Park. Recovery has not be kind to him since as knee and hamstring issues have continuously derailed his return.

But after several false starts, the wait for Zubar is finally over. New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch told reporters after Monday’s training that he will indeed start Zubar against the Atlanta Silverbacks this Tuesday at Red Bull Arena for their fourth round U.S. Open Cup encounter against the Atlanta Silverbacks.

Don’t take that as acknowledgment of his full recovery. Marsch parsed his words carefully, pointing out that Zubar would begin the match but added the centerback is not at full fitness and will likely be subbed off at some point.

Don’t take Zubar’s inclusion to the starting lineup as another indication of the Red Bulls overlooking the U.S. Open Cup, either. While they are clearly experimenting on the occasion with Zubar’s inclusion, New York are expected to field a near-full strength starting XI for the fourth round encounter.