OXFORD United could hold Gavin Whyte back this weekend to avoid any risk of the winger missing the run-in.
The 23-year-old reported a thigh injury last week while away on international duty, where he did not feature in either of Northern Ireland's two Euro 2020 qualifiers.
He is one of three senior players struggling to be fit for the home game with Wycombe Wanderers in Sky Bet League One.
Also read: Wycombe request full away allocation at United
But while the U's could do with an extra attacking option, head coach Karl Robinson is reluctant to gamble on his fitness.
He said: "We think Saturday may be just a little bit too soon (for Whyte).
"It proves it’s not a drastic one, we’ve just got to be careful because if you force him to play it could become a rest of the season job.
"We’ve just got to be a little bit calm and have a bit of resilience within our thought process really, even though you want him to be available for this game.
Also read: Oxford United to release five youngsters
"It’s a big game, but sometimes you have to take yourself out of that situation."
Jordan Graham (knee) and Rob Dickie (calf) are also doubts for the clash with the Chairboys.
Robinson said: "We think maybe only one of that three might make it, we’ve just got to wait and see how it all settles down."
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 The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.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