Martin Taylor, the Birmingham City defender, is poised to return to action for the first time since the challenge that resulted in the Arsenal forward Eduardo suffering a broken leg.

Taylor will complete a three-match suspension for his sending-off three weeks ago by sitting out tonight's Barclays Premier League match against Newcastle United at St Andrews.

The centre back is, however, set to play for the reserves on Tuesday against Tottenham Hotspur at Solihull Moors in a bid to regain match fitness.

Taylor has been widely criticised for the tackle on the Croatia international, who is facing a year out, and even received death threats on the internet from Croatia fans who were angry that Eduardo will miss Euro 2008. Taylor insisted the challenge was only mistimed, with no malicious intent, an explanation accepted by Eduardo.

Alex McLeish, the Birmingham manager, said: "Tiny [Taylor] needs to start playing again. He will play in the reserves on Tuesday."

McLeish brought Taylor back into the side to add height and physical presence to a back four that has often looked vulnerable at set pieces. His chances of earning a recall the match against Reading at the weekend will depend on the performance of Liam Ridgewell and Radhi Jaidi against Newcastle.

McLeish said: "Radhi Jaidi is as big as Martin Taylor, so we have not lost anything there. Will Taylor come back in the side? It depends on the guys in possession of the jersey. They have got to keep Tiny out. They have a challenge against Newcastle."