Evan Ferguson is out of Roma's Coppa Italia last-16 clash against Torino on Tuesday night, but the Republic of Ireland striker is not expected to be sidelined for too long.
The 21-year-old was forced off 39 minutes into Saturday's 2-0 Serie A win over Sassuolo after suffering a painful knock to his lower back.
Afterwards, Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini described it as "a serious bruise" but was calm about the prognosis.
"He was unlucky," he said. "They are painful blows that semi-paralyse you and prevent you from playing. He took more than one. I feel sorry for him. We'll see tomorrow but I don't think it’s a muscular thing that will take days."
Ferguson has not been named in Roma's squad for the home tie against Torino, with a return to action in the league against the same opposition on Sunday a more realistic target.
He's started in Roma's last five Serie A matches having endured public criticism from Gasperini before Christmas.
"I have nothing against him personally, it's about the performances. Ferguson had a lot of chances," said Gasperini. "We want to wait for him to develop, but he has to do better, not just on a technical level, but in terms of attitude."
At that point, it looked like Ferguson would be leaving Italy in the January window, with a return to Brighton or another loan move a distinct possibility. However, he buckled down to prove his worth, picking up man-of-the-match awards against Genoa and Lecce.
With Artem Dovbyk (hamstring) also out, Roma are light on attacking options, so Ferguson's importance has increased. Still, his future there remains uncertain, with Antonio Conte's Napoli reportedly expressing an interest in making a swoop.
Roma have been linked with moves this month for Manchester United's Joshua Zirkzee, Giacomo Raspadori of Atletico Madrid, Marseille’s Robinio Vaz and Aston Villa man Donyell Malen.
