Steven MacLean will find out today if he has sustained serious damage to his cheekbone, after suffering a “nasty” blow at the weekend.
The St Johnstone striker was caught by an elbow in an aerial challenge during Saturday’s match against Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He left McDiarmid Park in pain and with a swollen, black eye, and will find out this afternoon from a specialist if the injury is worse than severe bruising.
MacLean may not have scored a goal since he returned from knee surgery, but he is a crucial component of the Saints team.
And, with Brian Graham unable to play against his parent club Dundee United on Saturday, his absence would be even more keenly felt.
Manager Tommy Wright reported: “Steven MacLean will have his cheekbone assessed Tuesday.
“It’s a horrible injury but we are hoping he will be okay to face United, especially with Brian Graham unable to play against them.
“It was a really nasty one. He’s not saying it was deliberate but Macca thinks he was caught by an elbow. Hopefully the cheekbone hasn’t been compressed and it is just badly bruised.
“It happened in their penalty box early in the game and Macca played on despite his eye puffing up badly.
“He is a hardy lad and he has come through a lot worse in recent seasons.
“I thought his link-up play was excellent again against Caley Thistle. He is a vital player for us and we want him available for the run-in.”