Brighton & Hove Albion left-back Pervis Estupinan is seemingly fighting an uphill battle to be fit for Saturday's Premier League showdown with Nottingham Forest at the City Ground.
The Ecuador international unexpectedly missed the 1-0 loss to Everton last weekend with an unspecified issue, one that Fabian Hurzeler could not provide a firm update on at full time.
While Estupinan remains a doubt, all of Jason Steele (shoulder), Igor Julio (hamstring), Ferdi Kadioglu (toe), James Milner (thigh), Mats Wieffer (thigh), Solly March (muscle) and Evan Ferguson - linked with a move away - are still absent.
An update on Estupinan's condition should arrive imminently, but while the South American's status is still up in the air, Tariq Lamptey should prepare for another start at left-back in an unaltered rearguard.
The versatile Jack Hinshelwood is another option to fill in at the back, but the 19-year-old is also a candidate to start in midfield, where he could displace Yasin Ayari to start alongside Carlos Baleba.
Hurzeler placed his trust in Brajan Gruda from the first whistle against Everton, but the 20-year-old was then taken off at half time for Georginio Rutter, a strong contender to return to the first XI on Saturday.
However, if Joao Pedro and Danny Welbeck continue to operate down the middle, Hurzeler may opt for a more natural wide option than Rutter, benefitting Yankuba Minteh's chances of a recall to the starting lineup.
Brighton & Hove Albion possible starting lineup:
Verbruggen; Veltman, Dunk, Van Hecke, Lamptey; Baleba, Hinshelwood; Minteh, Pedro, Mitoma; Welbeck
> Click here to see how Forest could line up for this game
Ben Knapton
