Hull City defender James Chester is fearing FA Cup final heartache as he awaits scan results on a hamstring injury suffered in the 3-1 loss at Aston Villa on Saturday.
The 25-year-old limped off late in the first half when aggravating the same problem that has twice resulted in extended spells out this season.
Updates are expected to come today but with just 12 days remaining before facing Arsenal at Wembley the signs are not promising for Chester.
"You'd have to say he's a big concern," said Steve Bruce. "It's a recurrence of the hamstring injury he got at Newcastle in September and then damaged it again at Norwich.
"It's not looking good for him. It's cruel on him, really, really cruel."
The same troublesome hamstring has already seen Chester miss 11 weeks and then a further five weeks this term. Even a minor strain would, therefore, be enough to rule him out for at least a fortnight.
Paul McShane's return from injury could be a timely one but City's injury problems were extended to Sone Aluko.
The forward rolled his ankle in training on Friday and though Aluko's outlook is more promising than Chester's, Bruce was unable to deliver positive news.
He added: "Unfortunately he's another concern. It was one of those horrible accidents. Jogging along and he put his foot in a divot. I wouldn't say he's definitely out but it'll be touch and go."
