England defender Dawson will be on the bench at St Andrew's after recovering from the ligament damage suffered on international duty three months ago.
His return is a boost, with Younes Kaboul (hip) sidelined, while Rafael van der Vaart (hamstring) and Jermaine Jenas (calf) are also out, and captain Ledley King (groin), Jamie O'Hara (back) and Jonathan Woodgate (groin) are longer-term absentees.
Source: PA
Source: PA