St Johnstone manager Callum Davidson hopes to welcome new signing Guy Melamed into his squad before the Perth side face Hamilton Accies at the weekend.
But the Israeli striker won’t be in the match day group.
Since arriving in Scotland to sign on transfer deadline day Melamed has been forced to quarantine at a local hotel.
The 27-year-old has been doing his best to keep his fitness ticking over but putting in the miles on a spinning bike in your room is no preparation for a Saints debut in a crucial bottom of the table Premiership clash in Lanarkshire.
“Guy has had a couple of negative tests now and we got him tested again on Monday,” Davidson reported.
“As soon as we can get him back in, we will.
“Later on this week will be the earliest. We have got to stick to the government rules.
“I think it would be a little unfair to throw him in this weekend. He won’t have trained for a month.
“He has been fit but it’s about match sharpness. I’ve got to make sure he is ready, just like the others.”
The process of integrating another recent recruit, Craig Bryson, is further down the track. The former Aberdeen man came off the bench at Kelty and the started the 7-0 thrashing of Brechin at the weekend.
“You could see Craig’s experience, movement and energy,” said Davidson. “The pass he played for Stevie’s third goal showed the quality.
“Craig has scored 16 goals in one season so could be another player who can chip in with goals.
“He has had a few injuries but with the way he trains he is a very fit guy. He moves really well and I’m delighted he is here.
“You can tell he has that knowledge of the game. He does the simple things really well and that is a big thing younger players can learn from.”
Davidson believes that having his contract ripped up at Pittodrie after injury became the theme of his time with the Dons will drive Bryson on to hit top form in Perth.
“Sometimes it can be difficult when you go to a club and it doesn’t work out,” said the Saints boss.
“But he has got determination and has something to prove.
“We’ve got a small squad but I’m delighted with the quality in it. It’s up to the players to make sure they are in the team.
“They will all be involved and will all get games.”
Davidson identified one much-needed improvement in his team that has coincided with the return of another influential midfielder.
“With Murray Davidson back in the team, we are looking a lot stronger at set-plays,” he said.
“At the start of the season I didn’t think we were threatening enough from them.
“Murray is aggressive in both penalty boxes and has the drive and determination. He is also good for the younger players and always encourages them.”
That aggression in their own box – and other defensive attributes – will be crucial at Hamilton on Saturday, according to Davidson.
“It won’t be an easy game down at Hamilton,” he said. “Brian Rice’s team will attack so we need to make sure we defend properly.
“I’ve watched Hamilton quite a few times and they are always in the game.”
