Northampton Town manager Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink has been boosted by the news that the injury suffered by Shaun McWilliams during Tuesday's win over Portsmouth is not as bad first feared.
McWilliams was carried off with a foot injury in the first half, but x-rays have showed there is no break to the foot, just a deep cut.
"It is good news," confirmed the Cobblers boss.
"There is no fracture, it is a very deep cut that needed stitches but it won't be as long as we first thought, I would estimate he will be out for a maximum of two to two and a half weeks.
"Shaun has done very well and it is a pity to lose him, but it should not be for too long and that is the good news."
There was further good news in that some of the other injured players are also nearing fitness.
"John-Joe O'Toole is stepping up his recovery now,” said Hasselbaink.
“He had a minor operation a couple of weeks ago and we think he is 2-3 weeks away. He will see a specialist again next week. Sam Hoskins has just returned to full training and he is close now while Sam Foley is working with the Fitness Coach now so has a little bit of work to do but he is progressing."