Northampton Saints are anxious to see whether in-form winger Ollie Slightholme will be available for their Investec Champions Cup semi-final against Leinster in Dublin.
The 24-year-old star has been in great form this season, scoring tries and scoring his latest cross in last weekend's loss to Harlequins.
However, Slightholm suffered a concussion in the match against Twickenham and manager Phil Dowson revealed that he was going through the return process.
big setback
It would be a huge blow for Northampton if one of their players from the previous season were to miss the game at Croke Park, as Saints would be without a key attacking weapon.
But that could very well be the case, as according to the Northampton Chronicle and Echo there are serious doubts whether Sleightholm will feature in a match that sold out in a matter of hours.
“Ollie Slightholm went down with a concussion so he's trying to get back into action in stages and we'll have to see how he progresses,” Dowson told the media.
WATCH: Video of Billy Vunipola being tasered at Mallorca nightclub released
Dawson is also focusing on the fitness of back-rower Lewis Ludlum. Ludlum, like Slightholm, was injured in the second half of the Premiership competition at Twickenham.
“Lewis Ludlam has a shoulder problem so we'll give him as much time as possible to get over that,” added Dowson as he prepares for the game against Dublin.
“But we have other players who are hungry for an opportunity to play, so we're looking forward to taking that opportunity seriously.”
large scale testing
Northampton suffered a narrow loss to Harlequins in the Premiership, and Saracens' victory at Bath meant the Men in Black were now just four points clear of Saints.
However, the league focus has been very much on the back burner this week as Dawson and his team focus on beating Leinster at home in the Champions Cup.
Leinster's first team will be completely refreshed as the majority of the Ireland squad did not take part in the United Rugby Championship tour to South Africa.
read more: Ranked: Highest-paid Premiership positions with shocking lowest earners