Raith boss Grant Murray has moved to allay fears that Christian Nade will be sidelined for a month and insists he is optimistic the striker could be passed fit to face Rangers next Friday.
Nade missed Saturday’s 3-1 win over Cowdenbeath after picking up a hamstring injury just short of the hour mark in the 4-0 League Cup defeat to Dundee.
The former Hearts and Dundee marksman had been keen to prove his fitness in recent months after being the focus of some opposition fans’ jibes due to his burly physique.
The 29-year-old had started every game for the Kirkcaldy outfit until Saturday’s Fife derby after moving from Dundee in the summer.
And, dismissing reports of a month lay-off, Murray is hopeful the Frenchman can shake off his hamstring problem in time to be considered for a return to the starting line-up against Championship favourites Rangers a week tonight.
He said: “Christian went off in the Dundee game with his hamstring and he missed out on Saturday, but we are not thinking about him being out for four weeks.
“We still have a full week until the Rangers game and the physio will be working on him in that time.”
Meanwhile, defender Dougie Hill could be back in a month after undergoing an operation.
The 29-year-old has not played this season after returning from the close season with a groin problem that required surgery.
Murray added: “Dougie needed an ‘adjustment’ in his groin and his recovery should not be too bad and shouldn’t keep him out for too long.
“We are hopeful he could be back in three or four weeks.”