Lee Johnson says Martin Boyle has a 50-50 chance of making Hibs' match with Rosss County on Tuesday - but he might not play on Kilmarnock's astro to save his World Cup dream.
There were fears that the Australian international might not make Qatar 2022 with the Socceroos but a scan has allayed fears over any long-term knee issues that have plagued him previously. Boyle doesn't play tonight in their Friday night Premiership clash against Aberdeen after hobbling off last Saturday against St Mirren, a game in which he scored a penalty during a 3-0 victory.
Before the middle-east tournament is a home match versus the Staggies before a trip to Ayrshire, with the artificial surface at Killie's Rugby Park providing Hibs boss Johnson concern. He told Sportsound: "This what we have a squad for. The next man up now gets his opportunity. The injury is difficult to take.
"Particularly in this moment, but it's the best-case scenario. He's got a minor joint issue and at the minute we are just offloading that to see how he responds.
"With a bit of luck, he might get one game for us but he will certainly head out to the World Cup if selected. It's the hope, not the expectation (he plays for Hibs before the break).
"We have to see. The third game is Kilmarnock on the astroturf, which is never ideal in my opinion at this standard of football. But it is what it is. We have Ross County on Tuesday, I'd say that one is 50-50."
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