The midfielder hasn’t played since the woeful draw at Wolves in late November and it had been feared that he would need to undergo season-ending surgery.
However, Sir Bobby is now optimistic that Bowyer will be back in action in a couple of weeks’ time.
"Lee Bowyer is back in training and it does not look as though he is going to need any surgery, which is great news for us and him,” the manager told The Evening Chronicle.
"But he has not done anything at all for three weeks and his return to full fitness will be gradual."
Meanwhile, Sir Bobby hopes to have Shola Ameobi available again for Monday’s clash with Fulham, but whether or not either player will be able to force their way back into the starting 11 is a different matter after the improved recent displays.