Birmingham City striker Andy Cole is almost certain to miss this Saturday's game with Burnley after a scan revealed he has sustained a grade one tear to his hamstring.
Cole, who had to pull out just two days before he was due to make his debut against Coventry, is expected to be sidelined for ten days in total which makes him a big doubt for the start of Birmingham's Easter programme.
Manager Steve Bruce is hopeful the on-loan Portsmouth forward will be available for Easter Monday's trip to Barnsley but if that match comes too soon he could have to wait until the crucial promotion showdown with Southampton on Saturday week.
The news is a blow to Birmingham who had hoped to play Cole, who has joined on loan until the end of the season, in each of their remaining eight games.
But after overworking himself in training last week the former England international complained of a twinge in his hamstring on Friday which means he could have just four matches in which to shoot City back to the Premiership.
