Dundee United boss Jackie McNamara has admitted he fears Curtis Good is losing his battle to be fit for the Scottish Cup Final on May 17.
The on-loan Newcastle defender injured his hip while on international duty with Australia against Ecuador at the start of last month.
The 21-year-old returned to his parent club for treatment and rejoined United last week.
However, he was still not feeling 100% and Newcastle sent him for another scan.
Good is now to attempt another comeback but McNamara admitted the player is facing a race against time to make it for next month’s showpiece occasion.
The manager said: “Curtis will train with Newcastle this week and see how it goes in the next day or two. But time is running out, obviously.
“The scan showed a little bit of bleeding, although he’s pain free. So it will just be a case of seeing how he gets on. He might come back up on Thursday.
“But fitness would be a problem and it would be a big ask for him.”
Meanwhile, United have been linked with a move for highly-rated Celtic youngster Denny Johnstone.
The 19-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and has been offered a new deal by the Hoops but it is understood he would prefer to move to Tannadice.
However, when asked about the possibility of signing Johnstone, McNamara would only say: “We like the look of a few kids. I wouldn’t like to speak about other players who are under contract elsewhere.
“But there are people in that age bracket we like.”