Ulster Rugby are still sweating on the fitness of Stephen Ferris but hope their medical team can "work wonders" on the colossal back-row forward ahead of Sunday's Heineken Cup quarter-final clash with Munster.
Ferris injured his ankle playing against Aironi Rugby last weekend and faces a race against time ahead of the Thomond Park clash.
But head coach Brian McLaughlin remains hopeful that the Ireland star will make a quick recovery to boost his side's Heineken Cup hopes.
"We have named Stephen in the squad. He's progressing, we are assessing him on a daily basis and we will se how he gets on," said McLaughlin.
"The scan he had has sorted out a few issues for the medics. It's a battle against time but we have our fingers crossed.
"He's doubtful but we still have hope that he will be fit."
McLaughlin admits Ferris is key to Ulster's hopes of winning in Limerick. But he is desperate for the flanker to return on a personal level, following similar misfortune last season.
Again Ferris picked up an injury against Aironi and missed out on last season's ill-fated quarter-final clash with Northampton Saints due to knee damage.
"He's a key player. We want him to play, he wants to play and we have to play it by ear," added McLaughlin.
"There's no doubt that we are very keen to have him fit and playing but we will have to wait and see how he progresses.
"He's being treated by the phyios on a daily basis and is getting the very best treatment possible.
"I have every confidence in them and that they can get him right. They have worked wonders in the past and we're just hoping they do it again.
"But it's not just for Ulster as a team but from Stephen Ferris' perspective as well. He missed out last year after picking up an ankle injury out in Aironi and it almost robbed him of the World Cup as well
"We will leave it with the medics and make the decision as late as possible."
