Scotland manager Walter Smith is confident captain Barry Ferguson will be available for the World Cup double header against Belarus and Slovenia next week.
The Rangers midfielder is expected to confirm his fitness after suffering a hamstring injury in the 5-1 Bank of Scotland Premier League win over Dunfermline at the weekend.
The 27-year-old was withdrawn from the game in the 77th minute at Ibrox to spark fears he would miss the crucial qualifiers in Group Five.
Ferguson had voiced anxiety over his fitness to Gers boss Alex McLeish before the game against the Pars.
But, while McLeish has urged Smith and his backroom staff to wrap the player in cotton wool, Ferguson is expected to be available.
Smith said: "Losing Barry would be a blow to us. But we will monitor his situation closely until he meets up with us on Tuesday and then take it from there.
"I know he is already getting treatment and I'm hoping he will be fit enough again by the time our matches come around."
Hearts defender Steven Pressley insists he too will be available for Saturday's clash with Belarus at Hampden Park.
Aberdeen defender Russell Anderson is highly unlikely to be involved according to the Pittodrie club after suffering concussion in the 2-2 draw with Motherwell.
But Smith will not be facing a defensive crisis, despite Pressley taking a minor knock as he scored a bizarre hat-trick in the 2-2 draw at Falkirk.
The 31-year-old had given the Bairns a 2-0 lead when goalkeeper Steve Banks' block bounced off his knee.
However, the ex-Rangers defender scored twice for the Jambos to claim a 2-2 draw.
Pressley said: "I will be fine. It was a dead leg. I may not be able to train for a few days but, come next Saturday, I am sure I will be ready to go."
There were fears that Anderson had fractured an eye socket in the collision, which left the central defender in hospital.
But Aberdeen have confirmed the club skipper has only suffered concussion in the incident.
A Pittodrie spokesman said: "Fortunately, there is no fracture - but it is concussion.
