Miguel Almiron will be on standby for Newcastle United's trip to Brentford with Ryan Fraser and Allan Saint-Maximin shaking off knocks.
It is a scenario that would have left Toon supporters shocked at one stage of his career but he is facing the biggest test of his time at St James' Park at the moment.
The Paraguay international, once a guaranteed starter as one of the club's most expensive signings, hasn't started a game in over two months and has been used sparingly by Eddie Howe.
Almiron showed he was more than committed to the black and white cause by posting a social media message proclaiming "no days off" and the playmaker still has two years left on his contract.
Fans wouldn't have seen it but at Leeds during the 1-0 win, Almiron celebrated the victory wildly on the bench at the final whistle - despite not getting on at Elland Road.
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Almiron will be praying for a start soon but knows, even with knocks being assessed, he may have to wait.
The reality is, Fraser and Saint-Maximin would start at the Community Stadium this weekend if they were both declared fit and the bitter blow for Miggy on Saturday at West Ham was that Jacob Murphy got the nod to start on the left in the 1-1 draw.
Almiron did get on the pitch for an 11-minute cameo but was afforded just six touches.
Given Murphy has played 81 times at left-wing during his career compared to 33 for Almiron, it was perhaps no surprise that the ex-Norwich man was regarded as the more experienced choice.
Although, Eddie Howe admitted recently that training performances were "very important" and selection is tilted heavily towards what happens on the practice pitches at Benton.
One of the differences between Howe and previous boss Steve Bruce has been Almiron's gradual omission from the starting line-up.
And notably, the rise of Fraser again has coincided with the departure of Bruce and the arrival of Howe.
It's over a year since Almiron's last appearance on the scoresheet too.
Back then, a 3-2 win over Southampton unfolded with the South American netting twice against the Saints and while he didn't hit those heights again in front of goal, he was a mainstay of Bruce's team.
You certainly don't become a bad player overnight and Almiron's excellent attitude means he will get an opportunity eventually this season.
When Almiron arrived at the club in 2019, his £21million move from Atlanta United was celebrated wildly by Geordie fans after a long chase for his services.
As the club start to look at wingers ahead of the summer transfer market, with Belgium international Jeremy Doku being scouted by the Magpies, it remains to be seen whether Almiron fits into any plans beyond this season.
His agent Daniel Campos said last month: "Miguel Almiron's exit clause from Newcastle is close to $80million.
"In June we will see what the club says, I have interest from clubs in Spain and Italy."
Whether that interest extends to £65million offers remains to be seen but Newcastle could be willing to deal at less than his clause if there are others coming in.
For now, Almiron seems keen to fight for his place but after just 11 starts this term he will be entitled to ask questions over his future if his stint on the bench continues.
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