Rufus, who sustained a foot injury in the third game of the season against Sheffield United in mid-August, has worked hard to return following two operations.
Ironically, one of the substitutes that day, Richard Garcia, is now the only player on the injured list at West Ham following Brian Deane's recovery from a minor problem at the weekend.
The Hammers are chasing second spot in the Premier Reserve League South, with hosts Derby currently occupying that position.
It is, however, Derby's last game of the campaign, while West Ham still have a trip to champions Charlton to come on May 10th.
A win for the Hammers, currently fourth, would see them leapfrog Southampton and go level on points with the Rams.
Several players with first team experience are making the trip as West Ham look to extend their unbeaten run to 14.
SQUAD: Behcet, McLenehan, Brevett, Nowland, Ward, Blewitt, McAnuff, Reo-Coker, Pearson, Carole, Quinn, Carrick G, Sealey G, Cohen, Laws, Lumsden, Wright.