Middlesbrough skipper Emanuel Pogatetz is facing a race against time to make Saturday's Barclays Premier League trip to Hull.
The 25-year-old Austria international damaged a shoulder during Saturday's 0-0 derby draw with Newcastle and is undergoing extensive treatment in an attempt to declare himself fit for the game at the KC Stadium.
However, he remains a major doubt and with Robert Huth and Chris Riggott currently fighting their way back from injury, manager Gareth Southgate is keeping his fingers crossed.
Coach Colin Cooper said: "Manny took a bang on his shoulder, but he's a tough fella and he is quite positive about his chances.
"We have had it looked at and the great thing is there is no fracture.
"Manny is desperate to play, and we are desperate for him to play because he makes a difference for us.
"You miss any player of his quality, so we will keep our fingers crossed. But it was a very nasty bang."
Pogatetz has missed just three games all season, and those because of a ban picked up for his red card in a 3-1 Carling Cup defeat at Manchester United on September 23.
He played much of his early football on Teesside at left-back, but Andrew Taylor's emergence and Southgate's appointment as manager have resulted in a move into his more accustomed role in the middle.
At various points this season, he has formed partnerships with Huth, Riggott and David Wheater, and as captain, has proved an inspirational figure.
If Pogatetz does not make it, Southgate will hope either Huth or Riggott is ready to step into the firing line once again.
The 24-year-old Huth, who has been out since the end of September with an ankle problem, is back in training, although his comeback plans were frustrated by the postponement of Tuesday night's reserve team fixture against Bolton.
He is unlikely to be ready to start at the weekend even if he is included in the squad.
Cooper continued: "Robert was very close to being on the bench last week.
"It was a blow for him to miss the chance of a run-out, but he's certain to be close to the bench this week.
"It's great to have him back because you need your experienced players, especially at this time."
Riggott continues to make progress after suffering the hamstring injury at Everton which has kept him out of the last two games, but he too finds himself up against the clock.
Boro have won only three of their last 12 league games, but two of those victories have come on the road - at Wigan and Aston Villa - and they are unbeaten away from the Riverside Stadium in four attempts.
