Record signing Clinton Morrison is losing his battle to be fit for the Premiership opener with champions Arsenal at Highbury on Sunday.
Steve Bruce's Stg£4 million-plus signing from Crystal Palace is struggling to overcome a groin problem in time to face the Gunners, an injury that could also keep the Republic of Ireland striker out of Wednesday’s friendly in Finland.
Morrison trained yesterday in the hope of showing he was ready to face Arsenal but he suffered a reaction and Bruce is unlikely to risk him if it means he could then face a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Bruce, who also has another summer acquisition Robbie Savage suspended for this weekend, said: "We will wait and give Clinton as long as possible to see if he is fit but unfortunately it looks as if time has run out for this Sunday.
"He got a bang on his leg at Stoke in a pre-season game and we thought it was a hamstring problem but it looks instead as if he has twisted his groin from the impact of the bang and he hasn't really recovered.
"He did train on Thursday and was sore but the one thing we don't want to do, if there is the slightest doubt, is risk him and then find he's going to be out for another three or four weeks.
"It's a big blow for him especially as the Republic of Ireland have a game coming on Wednesday from which it looks as if he will have to be withdrawn.
"I know Clinton was keen to try and prove his worth in the Premiership from the start but how often does this sort of thing happen? He will just need another few days' rest."