Leyton Orient will be without Romain Vincelot for the rest of the season after he suffered medial knee ligament damage in Saturday's defeat to Peterborough.
The news is a major blow for the O's hopes of survival but the club could have Lloyd James available later this month.
French midfielder Vincelot was stretchered off with the injury to his right knee during Saturday's 1-0 loss.
The O's have had to manage without James since he broke his leg against Rochdale in September. He has been missed in the side but the 27-year-old is on the road to recovery and due to see a specialist with a view to making a comeback.
Speaking on Saturday, Orient assistant manager Marcello Donatelli said: "Lloyd James had a final check with the specialist and he will be in non contact training for two weeks. After this period he will hopefully be involved but it is step by step. He is a good player for us so we believe in James."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here