Dawson has been struggling with injuries in recent months, first an ankle problem and then an Achilles complaint in pre-season.
The centre-half returned to action against Preston in the Carling Cup last week and could feature against Bolton on Saturday.
“It has been a hard few weeks for me being in the treatment room and working with the fitness coach,” said Dawson. “But it is part of football and I am just glad to be back.
“It is never easy to take, but I needed to work hard in the gym and make everything else stronger.
“We’ve had a few defensive injuries, but we just have to deal with it.
“I’ve been watching the lads and I am itching to get out there again.”
