Cardiff City captain Mark Hudson has been ruled out for a month, but could yet play for the Bluebirds again this season if he is needed.
Centre-back Hudson limped out of Cardiff's 1-1 draw against Leicester City with an ankle injury and the club's medical staff will assess him during the next few weeks, while his centre back partner Ben Turner has returned from his injury.
"Mark is certainly out for a month unfortunately, but he is working with the doctors and physios," says manager Malky Mackay. "The injury is being assessed.
"I'd like to think he might play again this season, but I can't tie myself down to that.
"Let's see how the next month goes."
Mackay has not completely ruled out the need for an operation at some stage, but City remain hopeful that won't be necessary.
Hudson had an ankle injury sustained on the poor pitch surface at Blackpool in January, but has now damaged his other ankle.
"This is not a recurrence of anything that happens before because it is the other ankle," says Mackay.
"We'll see how things progress, but whatever happens there is no doubt Mark will be in our dressing room before and after matches.
"He is our club captain and somebody who has been great for Cardiff City on and off the pitch. He is a leader and will carry on that role even while he is not playing. "
Leon Barnett, the loan signing from Norwich, has committed to Cardiff for 28 days initially and made his debut in the 2-0 win at Sheffield Wednesday, is available for their next four Championship fixtures.
They are against Peterborough away on Saturday week, Blackburn (home), Watford (away) and Barnsley (home).
Mackay could yet extend that loan deal and can do that, with the agreement of Norwich manager Chris Hughton and the player, at any time between now and the end of his original deal even though the transfer window officially closes at 5pm on Thursday, March 28.
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