Dundee boss Paul Hartley looks like having to scrap plans to loan out midfielder Nicky Low in January to get him fit.
A groin problem means the former Aberdeen man has managed just two top-team appearances this term.
Had he recovered from that in time, he would have been sent out next month to get game time but that now looks unlikely to happen.
“With Nicky, right now it’s two steps forward and one back, it’s very frustrating for him,” said Paul.
“If we could have we would have put him out to get games because we’re about to have three weeks without one but I don’t think it will happen.”
Meanwhile, the manager has hailed the contribution of another midfielder, Paul McGowan, not just for the recent revival but in his two-and-a-half years at Dens Park.
The 29-year-old was a major influence in the comeback win against Hearts on Friday night when he came off the bench to grab the equaliser.
And his manager believes the former Celtic and St Mirren man is one of the unsung heroes in the Premiership.
It’s a safe bet he’ll return to the starting line-up when the Dark Blues head for Partick Thistle tonight and another vital game in the quest to pull clear of the relegation dogfight.
“With Paul McGowan you know what you are getting. He’s terrific,” said the gaffer.
“He gives you everything and he was the wee spark for us against Hearts. He’s brilliant on the pitch and he’s brilliant to have around the place. I keep saying it, he is the best trainer I’ve worked with and, in games, you know you are going to get consistency from him.
“We spoke to Paul during the week last week because the two lads, Tom Hateley and James Vincent, had done very well at Celtic the week before. Paul was unfortunate because he’d been suspended for that one but he didn’t complain about not coming straight back in, he accepted it.
“That’s the way he is, he just gets on with it.”
If Paul has one, slight, criticism of his “Mr Reliable” it’s that he doesn’t get on the scoresheet quite as often as he should.
The manager feels he has the quality to rectify that.
“It was a brilliant finish on Friday night and I’ve always said he should be scoring more goals. He makes great runs.
“He’s never scored quite as many goals as he should have here. I think he should be on 10 a season. On Friday the ball came to him quick and the goalkeeper was out quick but he took a good touch and finished calmly.
“It showed what he can do and we see it in training. With the quality he possesses he should be getting more, but he is a joy to work with.
“He does moan from the minute he comes in in the morning but on that training pitch there is nobody better than him and he’s a very good player for us.
“What an attitude he has and when he comes in he gives everyone a lift.”
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