Greg Taylor has missed Kilmarnock's clash with St Johnstone as Celtic and Sunderland continue to try and sign the defender.
The Scotland left back has been struggling with a hamstring injury with Sunderland having had a bid rejected for him.
Angelo Alessio confirmed the club have held talks with Celtic about a move as well but no deal has been done by either so far ahead of Monday.
Taylor returned to training on Thursday and Alessio admitted he still had a slight strain but could play if selected.
But Taylor was once again missing from his side at McDiarmid Park as Killie look to kickstart their season.
It has been a disappointing campaign for the Ayrshire side so far with just one point from their opening three games.
Record Sport exclusively revealed on Tuesday that both Celtic and Sunderland had submitted offers for Taylor.
And earlier this week Alessio said: "This task is not mine, it's the club's. But it has to be the right thing for the club. I hope Greg can stay with us but I understand the situation. This deal is between the club and the other clubs.
"Every day I read about Celtic and Sunderland. But it's only conversations. It's normal in this period of the market.
"It's difficult because I've already said we want to keep our best players.
"I think right now I need to clarify the situation. There have been some conversations about Greg but at the moment it's only conversations. I don't think there has been a right offer for him.
"Is it inevitable that he will leave before the deadline? I hope not. He's important for us and the team.
"But I understand the situation. If the club receives the right offer we can lose him."
There was a debut for new boy Dario Del Fabro after his loan move while Niko Hamalainen continued at left back.
