Huddersfield coach Ian Watson has said he is confident second-rower Chris McQueen will be fit for the Challenge Cup final against Wigan.
The Australian injured his adductor muscle during the Giants' 25-4 semi-final victory over Hull KR and missed last week's Super League win against Wigan.
McQueen, 34, will also sit out Friday's home game against Toulouse but is expected to be ready to face the Warriors at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday week.
"He's looking really good," said Watson, of the former South Sydney Rabbitohs, Gold Coast Titans and Wests Tigers man. "He's trained, he's been doing bits of running.
"We could have pushed him for this game but, if something goes wrong, it's a big occasion to miss out on. We've wrapped him in cotton wool this week."
The Giants will also be without Frenchman Theo Fages - who was in the St Helens team that won the cup in 2021 - against Toulouse as he nurses a calf injury sustained in the semi-final and aggravated against Wigan.
"He's just got a little niggle and 'cautious' is probably an understatement on it," said Watson.
"He took a knock in the semi-final and another knock in the Wigan game so he's not right to play this week."
Meanwhile, a trio England captains will be chief guests at the final.
Sam Tomkins, Emily Rudge and Tom Halliwell, respective captains of the men's, women's and wheelchair teams, were invited by the Rugby Football League to underline the inclusivity and diversity of the Rugby League World Cup later this year.
They will also attend the Service of Remembrance at the Cenotaph the morning before the final.
Australian Associated Press
