Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Glenn Hoddle is hoping Jody Craddock's return from injury may be perfectly timed to take over from the luckless Gabor Gyepes.
Hungarian centre-half Gyepes had a scan yesterday to confirm the extent of the knee injury he sustained in Saturday's home defeat to Sheffield Wednesday.
The results will be known today but initial estimates are that he will face a minimum of three months on the sidelines if his medial knee ligament is damaged. And if it is the cruciate, he could be out a lot longer.
"The first signs are that it is looking like a cruciate ligament injury," said assistant manager Stuart Gray. "It was hugely disappointing for both him and the club, particularly after Saturday's result.
"It will certainly mean he's out for the remainder of the season, and beyond."
But Wolves do at least have the option of bringing back Craddock, who has been out since suffering a less complicated knee ligament injury in the home win over Ipswich Town on February 18.
Craddock is due to make his comeback for the reserves at Wigan tomorrow night. If he comes through that test, he can expect an instant first-team recall for Saturday's trip to Plymouth Argyle.
Hoddle does also have the option of switching Rob Edwards to centre-half and bringing back the fit-again Jackie McNamara, who is also in action at Wigan tomorrow night.
The Wolves boss also has concerns about Jeremie Aliadiere and Lee Naylor ahead of Saturday's visit to Devon.
"Jeremie Aliadiere had to play on with an ankle problem and Lee Naylor was brought off with a calf injury," said Hoddle. "All in all, it wasn't a good day."
Just how damaging was the defeat to Wednesday could prove a lot clearer after tonight.
Preston North End, who drew at home to Argyle on Saturday, play their game in hand tonight, also at Deepdale against bottom club Crewe Alexandra. A Preston win would take them five points clear of Wolves.
