Monaghan's James McElroy is rated only 50-50 for his county's Bank of Ireland Ulster Senior Football Championship opener against Derry in Clones on Sunday.
McElroy is struggling with an ankle problem, so manager Seamus McEnaney has left a vacancy at right wing forward.
McEnaney is definitely without the services of the suspended Rory Woods, whose three-month ban dates back to his sending off during Monaghan's National Football League Division 2 semi-final win over the Oak Leafers, and injured duo Mark Daly (Achilles) and wing back James Ward (foot).
Dermot McArdle replaces Daly in the full forward line.
Derry, meanwhile, have doubts over defenders Niall McCusker (groin), Paul McFlynn and Francis McEldowney (both hamstring)
Monaghan SF team v Derry: S Duffy; G McQuaid, V Corey, C Flanagan; D Freeman, J Coyle, S Gollogly; D Clerkin, F Duffy; AN Other, P Finlay, N Corrigan; T Freeman, R Ronaghan, D McArdle.
