Wigan Warriors forward Ethan Havard is set to miss the start of the Super League season following back surgery.
The promising forward has undergone two procedures and is now on the road to recovery, but head coach Matt Peet admitted he was set to miss the opening month of the campaign as a result.
He has been pencilled in for a return to action in March, though the Warriors are comfortable with giving him time to return to prime fitness before calling on his services.
He is the only injury concern for Peet at present, with no other significant injury concerns to worry about less than a month before the season opener with Hull KR.
Ollie Partington and Zak Hardaker have both been dealing with injuries during the build-up, with young forward Partington rolling his ankle last month and former Man of Steel Hardaker having a small operation on a slipped disk in his neck.
But both are now back in training and on course to be ready in time for the round one clash with last year's play-off semi-finalists.
"Ollie is back running now which is good to see and the same can be said for Zak, he's running now and been getting involved in some skills with the group."
On Hardaker, where he will play has been a regular talking point throughout his time at the Warriors, with spells at fullback and centre keeping him occupied.
The England and Great Britain international has made no secret of his desire to play fullback, though Bevan French has often been preferred in the role, leaving Hardaker to play centre.
He has been selected internationally in both positions, a testament to his influence in both roles, and Peet believes Wigan will benefit from his talents regardless of where he is selected.
"I just see his versatility as an advantage for us," Peet said.
"I see him playing across backline throughout the season because we know he can do a job for us wherever he plays. I've been impressed with how hard Zak is working."
