The stakes couldn't be higher for Chesterfield as they prepare for Friday's crucial League Two play-off semi-final second leg against Notts County—but they may have to do it without one of their key midfielders.

Armando Dobra, who has been a reliable presence with 33 league appearances this season, is a serious doubt after being forced off with a shoulder injury just 39 minutes into Sunday's first leg at the SMH Group Stadium. The 24-year-old, known for his tireless work rate in the middle of the park, was seen heading straight to hospital for X-rays and scans.

"It's not great," assistant manager Danny Webb admitted to BBC Radio Sheffield. "He's had to go to hospital for an X-ray and a scan on it, so I think the AC joint has got some damage in there." Webb added that Dobra, ever the competitor, wanted to play through the pain but was ultimately unable to continue.

The timing couldn't be worse. Chesterfield trail 1-0 from the first leg, meaning they need to overturn the deficit at Meadow Lane on Friday to keep their promotion dreams alive—and avoid a second consecutive play-off semi-final heartbreak. Notts County have been a thorn in their side, having eliminated them twice in the past six years.

Despite the setback, there's a glimmer of optimism in the Spireites' camp. Webb pointed out that his team is in a better position than last season, when they lost the first leg 2-0 at home to Walsall. "It would have been a real sickener if County had got a second goal at the end," he said, noting that keeping the deficit to just one goal keeps the tie alive.

As for Dobra, Webb didn't rule out a dramatic recovery. "Sometimes he's like Superman and he might bounce back," he said with a hint of hope. "But things can go all your way in games and things can go completely against you in games—and today we had a little mix of both."

With promotion on the line and a hostile Meadow Lane crowd awaiting, Chesterfield will need every ounce of that fighting spirit—whether Dobra suits up or not.