Dundee United hope Gary Mackay-Steven can put Kilmarnock to the sword before going under the knife.
The Tannadice winger has been given a date of next Tuesday for a clean-up operation on his knee, should he decide to go ahead with the surgery.
Before then, United travel to Rugby Park on Saturday and there is every chance Mackay-Steven will play against Killie.
Tangerines boss Peter Houston said: ”Gary has been brave enough to give it a chance and now the surgeon has confirmed he can go in on next Tuesday and get it (the op) done. So we have a date if he wants to go in.
”He has been fine so far this week and if he keeps going like this then I will include him in the squad for Saturday. It will obviously be a boost to have him for the Killie game.”
The Tangerines will travel down to Ayrshire as proud SPL leaders following their 3-0 derby win over Dundee last Sunday.
Houston believes the spectators are in for a treat, with both sides known for their expansive approach to the game.
”They are a very open and attack-minded side in many ways,” said Houston. ”They like to play the game in the right way, which means they can take the occasional risk.
”So I can guarantee this will be an open game. That’s always the case at Rugby Park.
”Both teams like to get the ball down and there will definitely be goalscoring opportunities. We just hope we can be clinical and take more chances than Killie, but it will be tough.
”Like myself, over the past couple of seasons their manager Kenny Shiels has been forced to rebuild his squad.
”He has lost really good players and Kenny is learning the same harsh facts of most of the SPL clubs in that it’s a difficult job.
”Also, he has just lost Cammy Bell in goal, which is a blow as well because he was always there and thereabouts in the Scotland squad.”
While Killie look for a new goalie to replace the injured Bell, Houston is more than happy with the man United have between the posts.
Pole Radoslaw Cierzniak has been a huge hit since joining the club and Houston said: ”I have been very happy with Rado so far. He has settled really well and is learning the language very quickly.
”He is a very passionate guy, someone who is a winner.”
After United were roared on by around 9,000 fans at Tannadice last Sunday against the Dark Blues, Houston is hoping as many supporters as possible make it to Rugby Park as his players attempt to cling on to their top spot in the SPL.
He said: ”We hope to take a good travelling support down to Killie. It’s one of our longest journeys, so we know there is a fair bit of travel involved, with obviously a bit of cost. But I’m sure the United fans will turn out in good numbers.”