Scrum-half Blair was provisionally named on the bench for Edinburgh’s Magners League clash with Connacht tomorrow.

If the 28-year-old fails to recover, his spot among the replacements will be taken by Scotland Under-20 star Ross Samson.

Head coach Rob Moffat has surprisingly opted to axe wing Tim Visser, who marked his debut in last Friday’s 22-21 win at Cardiff with a try.

Andrew Turnbull replaces the Dutchman in the only change to the starting XV who got Edinburgh’s season off to a winning start.

Hooker Ross Ford has been named among the replacements and, like Blair, the 25-year-old could make his first competitive appearance since featuring for the Lions during the third Test victory against South Africa in Johannesburg two months ago.

Ford said: “I’m really excited to be back in the squad for Friday’s match.

“I’ve now had four weeks of pre-season training, so I feel fresh and I’m looking forward to getting back into it.

“Last week’s win at Cardiff was an excellent result and now hopefully I’ll be able to help the team build on that against Connacht.”

Also on the bench is back-row forward Scott Newlands, who returns after three months out with a bicep injury.

Summer recruit Steve Jones is involved in the squad for the first time since his move from Newcastle.