Peterhead may be without Scott Hooper for some time after the defender was diagnosed with glandular fever.
The stopper had been feeling tired and under the weather for a number of weeks before he was diagnosed with the viral infection on Friday.
Recovery periods from glandular fever vary and depending on how Hooper fares he could potentially miss the rest of the Blue Toon’s League One campaign.
The Buchan outfit still have 10 games left as they bid to stave off the threat of relegation.
If the 25-year-old was unable to play any part in the run-in it would be a blow for Balmoor boss Jim McInally.
However, regardless of Peterhead’s plight, McInally’s main concern is with Hooper’s well-being.
The former Annan Athletic player had become increasingly worried as he continued to feel unwell, but doctors were unable to get to the bottom of what was wrong.
McInally said: “Scott’s got glandular fever.
“He’s also got another wee issue where his doctor wants to look at his spleen because they think he might have done damage to his spleen.
“He’s going to get X-rays and it looks like Scott could be out for a while.
“Glandular fever can range from anything from a couple of weeks to a year before it clears up. It’s a blow because I’ve been really happy with Scott on the pitch.
“With Luc Bollan joining, the plan was to move him to right-back and utilise his defensive qualities.
“It’s disappointing for the team but most importantly it’s disappointing for Scott because you don’t want anyone suffering with an illness like that.
“Scott is gutted about it, but relieved the doctors have found something.
“He was starting to get worried because he’d been feeling tired and under the weather and they couldn’t find anything wrong.”
Despite his illness, McInally is keen to get Hooper signed up for next season and has already held talks with the defender over a new deal.
Scotland’s longest-serving manager added: “I’ve already spoken to Scott about getting it sorted out for next season.
“He knows we want to keep him.
“Regardless of his illness, we were looking to keep Scott and nothing changes on that front.”
The Blue Toon return to action this Saturday when they visit Falkirk after their clash with bottom club Stranraer at the weekend was postponed due to Stair Park being waterlogged.
