Sabri Lamouchi says he's hopeful of being able to call upon Callum O'Dowda for Saturday's South Wales derby with Swansea City.
However, it seems Callum Robinson has fallen short in his race to be fit as he continues to work his way back from a hamstring issue.
Robinson has been out for just over a month, but there was seemingly plenty of optimism that he might be back in contention after the international break.
However, Lamouchi says Cardiff's top scorer, who was sent off after seven minutes in the reverse fixture at the Swansea.com Stadium earlier in the season, will not be fit in time to face Russell Martin's charges.
"Callum Robinson will be out for the Swansea game," Lamouchi said. "He will not be available.
"It was serious as you know against Reading. It was a serious injury. We tried with our medical department to do our best and to find Callum back with us as soon as possible."
Robinson's absence will unquestionably be seen as a major blow for the Bluebirds, but there's better news on fellow Irishman O'Dowda.
The former Bristol City man sparked concern after pulling out of the Republic of Ireland squad for the recent Euro 2024 qualifier with France, with boss Stephen Kenny suggesting the player was suffering from a potential groin injury.
O'Dowda has been one of Cardiff's brighter performers this season, and Lamouchi is seemingly optimistic about the 27-year-old's prospects of featuring this weekend.
The Frenchman is also hopeful of having Romaine Sawyers and Mahlon Romeo back in training on Friday after their respective returns from international duty.
"Callum O’Dowda is with us today," he added. "Romaine Sawyers and Mahlon Romeo are coming today but will not be in training with us. But I hope they’ll be available tomorrow.
"He (O'Dowda) will train apart today. He looked okay. We will see tomorrow with him. I’m absolutely confident he’ll be okay."
Cardiff welcome the Swans this weekend having won just one of the last eight derby meetings between the two sides.
They were humiliated 4-0 the last time Russell Martin's men rolled into town, and Lamouchi insists he's well aware of the importance of ensuring they're not allowed to run riot in the capital again.
"It will be a derby game. It will be a tough game. Swansea even if they are not so far from us. They are doing well. They play well.
"They concede a lot, but they are scoring well. You will not find a team in the league that completes more passes than them.
"It’s good football. It’s very open, with good possession. Good movement. It will be tough. I know how important the game is for our fans. For the club. Our players. I know that."
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