The big lefthander has been sidelined since mid-November when he missed Otago's flight to Christchurch for a T20 match against Canterbury.
He pulled out of the New Zealand A tour of the United Arab Emirates shortly after, citing personal problems, and then injured his back in the gym.
Initially, the injury was not thought to be too serious but when Ryder did not recover it became apparent he had a disc problem as he was getting shooting pains in his legs. However, he is back hitting the ball, albeit only throw downs.
Otago coach Dimitri Mascarenhas is hopeful the gifted batsman will be fit in time for Otago's final Ford Trophy game against Canterbury at Rangiora on January 21.
"He is making some good progress," Mascarenhas said. "Realistically he could be fit for next Wednesday.
"[The shooting pains] have died off a little bit, which is why he is trying to get ready to play. He is very keen."
In today's game Otago play Canterbury at Dunedin.
Meanwhile Auckland are hoping captain Rob Nicol will be fit for Sunday's penultimate round robin game against ND at Eden Park.
The former international took a blow on the foot in the win over Wellington on Monday and was seeing specialists yesterday.
Central Districts and Auckland head the trophy standings and both have an eye on finishing in the top two, at least.
Get there and a second life is guaranteed under the format, in which the top four teams play off. And there's the potential for hosting the final on February 1.
Centuries by George Worker and Will Young carried CD to a crushing 159-run win over ND at Gisborne's Harry Barker Reserve yesterday.
CD rattled up 326 for three, Worker hitting 118, his third century of the competition, while Young made his maiden List A ton, bringing it up with a six off the final ball of the innings, his 101 not out coming off just 87 balls.
He added 133 with Worker, and a rapid 121 with Kieran Noema Barnett, who belted 66 not out off 31 balls.
ND were way off the pace. After Anton Devcich and Dean Brownlie both struck half-centuries in an opening stand of 90, all 10 wickets fell for 77.
Points: CD 22 (6 games), Auckland 20 (6), Otago 13 (5), ND 12 (6), Wellington 5 (6), Canterbury 5 (4).
- David Leggat of the New Zealand Herald
