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The chances of Allan Jones coaching Auckland City at the Club World Cup in Japan are hanging by a thread.
It has nothing to do with delicate contract negotiations or vociferous players upset about the possible appointment - but a severely injured right ankle he turned while with the New Zealand women's team in China 10 days ago.
Auckland chairman Ivan Vuksich said he thought there was a "0.1 per cent" chance Jones would take the team to Japan because he wouldn't be able to fly.
But Jones is hopeful of delivering a positive verdict tomorrow morning and has been undergoing rigorous physiotherapy and pool work in an effort to travel.
The appointment of a coach for a one-off tournament would not normally be such a big deal but the players are desperate for Jones to be on board after difficulties under the recently-departed Roger Wilkinson.
Jones has a proven track record with the players, guiding them to consecutive NZFC titles before taking charge of the New Zealand women's team in the middle of this year.
His No 2 Craig Alexander is in charge for Auckland's NZFC match against Otago in Dunedin today and has been taking training over the past week in the belief Jones would assume the reins in Japan.
Alexander or Paul Marshall are likely to take the side to Japan if Jones is ruled out, although there was a suggestion an approach could be made to former Sydney FC coach Pierre Littbarski.
The German World Cup winner took Sydney to last year's Club World Cup and is presently living in Japan.
Auckland City announced its squad of 23 players on Thursday, with Ross McKenzie arguably the unluckiest to miss out.
Sam Wilkinson, who hasn't been seen at training since his father was sacked as coach, was not considered.
Auckland City travel to Japan on December 6 before taking on five-time African champions Al Ahly from Egypt four days later.
