Lewis Stevenson looks set to miss the kick off to Raith Rovers’ Premier Sports Cup campaign through injury.
But striker Jack Hamilton could tick off a major milestone in his recovery from surgery this weekend against Falkirk.
The experienced Stevenson has been a notable absentee during Raith’s pre-season preparations so far.
The former Hibernian defender has sat out the friendlies against Linlithgow Rose and Alloa Athletic with a calf issue.
Courier Sport has learned the injury has been assessed with a scan. And the good news for Rovers is it is not a major problem.
It is expected he will be back to full fitness in time for the Championship curtain-raiser at home to Queen’s Park on August 2.
However, the 37-year-old may not return to full training until after the League Cup opener away to Elgin City a week on Saturday.
“Lewis will be back in about ten to 14 days,” boss Barry Robson told Courier Sport.
“He hasn’t trained, so he’s been a big miss for us.
Robson: Stevenson injury ‘nothing serious’
“He’s had a problem with his calf but it’s nothing serious.”
The reliable Stevenson played in all 36 league games last term and only sat out one game – due to being rested for the Scottish Cup meeting with Linlithgow – in the whole campaign.
During the initial testing after the players’ return to training last month, the Hibs legend was top of the squad in push-ups, pull-ups and bench pushing power.
In Stevenson’s absence during the warm-up games, freed Hearts youngster Ethan Drysdale has been given an opportunity to press for a move to Stark’s Park.
It is expected the 19-year-old could get more game-time this weekend in Rovers’ final friendly against Premiership-bound Falkirk.
The match could also prove significant for Hamilton, who is close to making his comeback following a serious ankle injury.
The 24-year-old has been sidelined since the Fife derby win over Dunfermline on December 14 and subsequently underwent an operation in February on his damaged ligaments.
It has been a long road to recovery for the former Livingston and Arbroath player. But major progress has been made in recent days.
The striker returned to full training with his first-team colleagues for the first time earlier this week.
Robson: Hamilton a ‘maybe’ for Falkirk
And there is now a chance he could be involved in some capacity against the Bairns.
“Jack Hamilton was back in full training on Monday. It’s the first time I’ve ever seen him play [live],” smiled Robson, who took over as Raith boss in late December.
“We’ll see at the weekend. Maybe we can get him on the pitch again.
“But we’ll need to see how he goes in training before then.”
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