Phillip Cocu says Krystian Bielik is a doubt for Derby County’s home fixture against Millwall on Saturday.
The Poland international midfielder missed the 1-1 draw against Sheffield Wednesday at Pride Park Stadium in midweek with a hip issue.
It is the same problem which forced Bielik to pull out of the Rams’ clash with Queens Park Rangers at the end of November in the pre-match warm up.
Cocu has admitted that Bielik’s injury is a minor one, but he is adamant that Bielik will only be in contention to face Gary Rowett’s side if he is fully fit.
“It is a minor issue for Krystian at the moment,” Cocu told RamsTV.
“However, it is not good enough for him to play and that is a setback for us of course when he’s not available, especially with the injuries we already have.
“I think George Evans took over his position well and we will have to see about Krystian ahead of the weekend’s game.
"We saw against Sheffield Wednesday, if you go on the pitch at 80%, it doesn't work. Only if he is 100% will he be available on Saturday. If not, he is out.”
Bielik, 21, joined Derby ahead of the 2019/20 campaign from Premier League side Arsenal and has made 18 appearances so far this season.
He has also gained his first full international honours for Poland in the current season, winning three caps to date.