Wigan's Sam Tomkins has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation from a broken foot which may keep the former Warriors fullback sidelined for another two months.
The former Super League Man of Steel, who missed the first three months of the 2016 season following knee surgery, was due to return from his latest injury in April but is still struggling to run and may need another operation.
"He tried to run with the plate and he's still struggling so we're debating whether to take the plate out or not," Wigan coach Shaun Wane said.
"If that happens, it's six to eight weeks.
"We're having a chat to the physios and the specialist."
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Tomkins, 28, has made just 16 appearances for his home-town club since cutting short his stay with the Warriors at the end of the 2015 season to return to Super League.
He missed Wigan's Grand Final win over Warrington in October and England's Four Nations campaign but had hoped to be pushing for a place in the World Cup team at the end of this year.
"I feel sorry for him," Wane added. "I felt personally gutted when he tried to run last week and struggled with it, I could see he was down."
The former England hooker has not played since damaging his ankle in Wigan's World Club Series clash with Brisbane in February 2016 and was forced to delay his comeback in order to have a plate removed.
The 29-year-old is set for an Easter return and Wane says the player could even be fit for the home game against Super League leaders Castleford on Thursday week.
