The bad news is, seamer Anthony Bullick will probably miss Otago's crucial Plunket Shield match against Canterbury in Rangiora next week.
The good news is, fast bowler James McMillan and opening batsman Aaron Redmond are lining up to replace him in the 12.
The experienced pair will undergo fitness tests this morning, with Otago expected to name its side later today.
McMillan tweaked his hamstring and has missed the last two first-class games, and Redmond fractured a bone in his hand in the drawn match with Canterbury in Queenstown in mid-February.
"Depending on how they go will help us decide on what we do for our trip to Christchurch," Hesson said.
"They have trained this week but I need to see how they shape up [today] and see if they are genuine prospects or not."
Bullick has had an unfortunate run this summer.
He has been sidelined for most of the season with a pubic bone complaint but made a promising return against Auckland last week with two for 50.
He strained a muscle in his leg while playing in the game against Central Districts on Monday but, when called on, was able to make a brief appearance at the bowling crease on Wednesday, albeit off a very short run-up.
"It is unlikely [he will play]. He'll need a bit of time to get that quad strain right," Hesson said.
"But it was a pretty admirable effort for him to bowl for us."
Fast bowler Neil Wagner is also carrying "a couple of little niggles".
The left-armer has taken 39 wickets this season and would be sorely missed.
"We'll have to see how he scrubs up tomorrow."
Otago's Plunket Shield match with Central Districts was abandoned yesterday after heavy overnight rain left the University Oval unplayable.
Central claimed first-innings points after scoring 222 for nine in reply to Otago's 147, and remains at the top of the table with 28 points.
Northern Districts came unstuck against Auckland.
Chasing 197 for an outright win, the Knights slumped to be all out for 178.
Test bowler Chris Martin took five for 61 from 20 overs and veteran spinner Bruce Martin took three for 42 from 19.4 overs.
Northern, though, collected two points from the first innings and remains in second place with 26 points.
Canterbury conceded first-innings points in its match with Wellington.
However, 19-year-old pace bowler Matt Henry claimed five wickets on debut to help the home side win the match by 76 runs.
That has lifted Canterbury to third place with 23 points and Wellington moves to 17 points.
Otago (22) failed to pick up any points this round but, with three matches remaining, is still within striking distance.
Auckland is in last place with eight points.
