Ben Smith, Waisake Naholo and Luke Whitelock will all be available for next Saturday's game against the Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Smith has missed the past three weeks with an ankle injury, while Whitelock was ruled out with a calf injury before the game against the Bulls two weeks ago.
Naholo had been serving a one-week suspension after being shown a red card against the Bulls.
Highlanders coach Tony Brown said the trio's return would be a massive boost.
All three had been in Dunedin and would not be suffering from the effects of returning from travel.
Dan Pryor could also make his long awaited return after a lengthy recovery from a knee operation.
The loose forward played club rugby for Kaikorai on Saturday, his first game in more than eight months.
Openside flanker James Lentjes is also nearing a return from an elbow injury.
He is likely to play club rugby this Saturday and could be available to face the Crusaders in two weeks' time.
Lima Sopoaga came off the bench on Saturday night to play his first game since March 11 against the Force.
Brown was pleased with how he played, although he said he would probably come off the bench again this weekend and play alongside the in-form Marty Banks.
''We just need to give Lima a bit of time to get back to full fitness.
''So that probably looks like him coming of the bench next week as well, and potentially starting him against the Crusaders.
''Then ... we always know [Marty Banks] can do the job when we call on him.
''He's playing some outstanding footy and he's probably the best goal-kicker in the competition.''
The Highlanders face the Waratahs at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday before playing the unbeaten Crusaders in Christchurch the following Saturday.