A bloody gash below the eye of Andy Coburn had Otago United coach Malcolm Fleming extremely concerned at training this week.
Otago was preparing for the critical New Zealand Football Championship game against Canterbury in Christchurch tomorrow when the incident happened.
"We took Andy to hospital right away and, while there was a lot of blood, they patched him up, and he will be available" Fleming said.
Fleming sees the injury as an indication of just how much competition there is in the squad to earn a starting place tomorrow.
Pressure mounts on Otago with Canterbury possibly barring the way to play-offs in the final stages of the competition.
Otago still holds third position with 17 points on the NZFC table.
Canterbury, is just two points behind and has two games in hand. Wellington is another threat, also on 15 points.
As he has done all season, Fleming will demand total concentration on tomorrow's game at English Park.
"This must be the tightest competition for years, and for Otago still to be holding third place after 12 matches speaks well of the squad's efforts," Fleming said.
"Below us there are five teams separated by only five points, so anything can happen in the few remaining matches.
"A win on Sunday will eliminate a lot of ifs and buts."
Even without the aspect of getting into NZFC play-offs, this derby fixture against Canterbury has always generated passionate contests, and the red and blacks gained first blood this season by beating Otago 3-1 at Carisbrook.
In the last 15 matches between the provinces, Canterbury has won six to Otago's five, and there have been four draws.
Both teams have made massive improvements this season on previous form that consigned them into the NZFC basement in recent years.
Otago is in good fettle, with a full squad available since Dan Ede's ankle injury cleared up and the striker completed a tough midweek training session.
Possibly, Otago's contingent of Christchurch-based players will be the keenest of all to show they can compete with the Canterbury squad.
Canterbury coach Keith Braithwaite has been boosted by the news that star performer Aaron Clapham has delayed his return to professional football in Melbourne, and will stay until the end of the season.
Sandy-haired Clapham is Canterbury's top scorer with five goals, the last earning a 1-1 draw with table-topping Auckland.
"Keith has a balanced squad that is going well, but there is no doubt in my mind that we are capable of a win," Fleming said.
"This is a local derby with plenty for both teams to play for.
"Play-offs are almost a certainty for the team that wins, and a draw could see both creep closer."
In the curtain-raiser, Otago plays Canterbury in the National Youth League at 11am.
Otago beat Manawatu 3-1 last week, and Canterbury beat Wellington 6-1.
Otago Utd v Canterbury
Christchurch, tomorrow, 2pm
Otago United: James Waggett, Mike Abbott, Dave Shaw, Robbie Deeley, Dave Dugdale, Andy Coburn, Tom Connor, Morgan Day, Tim Horner, Rhys Henderson, Harley Rodeka, Tom Sadd, Stu Kelly, Ryan Faichnie, Ben Light.
Canterbury: Jordan Buchanan, Dan Terris, Jeremy Wild, Gareth Rowe, Matt Boyd, Andy Pitman, Aaron Clapham, Russell Kamo, Tom Lancaster, Nick Wortelboer, Paul Dirou, Daniel Burns, Glen Collins, Tom Batty, Darren Overton, Jordan Swaney.
