Italy team doctor Enrico Castellacci admits "time is running out" for Daniele De Rossi to be ready to play in Saturday's Euro 2016 quarter-final against Germany.
De Rossi suffered a knock to his right thigh during the last-16 tie with Spain on Monday and was replaced by Thiago Motta nine minutes into the second half in Paris.
However, while the Roma midfielder did not take part in Italy's training sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, Castellacci refuses to rule out the player just yet.
"We are doing everything to get him back but time is running out," he said.
"We don't want to make premature conclusions even if we know how close the match is."
There is better news for Italy coach Antonio Conte over the fitness of Antonio Candreva, however.
The Lazio winger has missed his country's last two games with a groin injury but is making good progress in his recovery, according to Castellacci.
"The situation with Candreva is better but the muscle hasn't fully healed. There haven't been further setbacks," he added.
'I don’t think he’s good enough, passing often goes wrong. We are somewhat limited up front but even then, you have to earn your selection, and I think he doesn’t deserve that now.' Manchester United star Joshua Zirkzee slammed by national team manager
'Manchester United look confused about what they're being asked to do - he's certainly not getting the best out of them., I wouldn't bet a single penny on them getting to the next round' Alan Shearer issues damning verdict of Europa League hopes
