Lennon Miller is a major doubt for Motherwell’s trip to Hearts on Thursday, as the young midfielder will see a specialist for a foot injury.
Miller, 18, was crocked during the 2-2 draw at home to Rangers on Sunday, and limped off to be replaced by Tom Sparrow in 67 minutes.
Assistant boss Stephen Frail says Miller is more than a doubt for the trip to Tynecastle, though striker Apostolos Stamatelopoulos has a good chance of featuring.
On Miller, Frail said: “Lennon is, unfortunately, probably a little bit more than just being assessed. He will see a specialist.
“He left here on Sunday in one of those protective boots, so he will be assessed by a specialist over the next couple of days.”
When asked if that was just a precaution, Frail said: “Well it could be a little bit more, but we’re not sure. I’m speculating. Going into the protective boot is a precaution.
“In the tackle that he gets booked for, it’s the way he’s landed and banged his foot, so he’ll see a specialist in the next couple of days to assess the full extent of his injury.
“It’s a blow for us, because he is such a talent, and he has been a terrific player for us. Hopefully he will be back very, very soon.”
There was some more positive news for the Fir Park club, however.
Frail said: “Apostolos went off with just a strain, he will be assessed.
“We’ve got a little bit of a virus in the club as well, there are three or four players struggling with that and won’t be in this morning (Tuesday).
“We’ve got Jack Vale back from his injury from Blackburn,” said Frail. “He has trained for two weeks down there with their under-21s for one week and then the second week with their first team, so Jack is ready to go.
“That’s a real boost for everyone, to have him back in the building.”