Coping without key players has not proved a problem for injury-hit Super Rugby minor premiers the Queensland Reds.

But coping without their coach might be a little trickier.

The Reds' injury list became even longer on Tuesday when rising Test prop James Slipper (ankle) was officially ruled out of their July 2 semi-final at Suncorp Stadium.

However coach Ewen McKenzie also looks set to be a no-show at training on Wednesday after being stranded in Sydney.

The father of three had been set to fly back on Tuesday after visiting family.

But McKenzie was soon looking for alternative transport after volcanic ash ensured he became one of hundreds of thousands of Australian passengers affected by cancelled flights.

"Nice, my flight to Brisbane has been cancelled and I can't even get onto the train website," McKenzie tweeted on Tuesday.

The Reds are yet to confirm when - or how - McKenzie will return to Brisbane.

McKenzie had been set to officially launch their finals campaign in Brisbane on Wednesday alongside captain James Horwill.

There was better news for Slipper on Tuesday despite having a line put through his name for their semi-final clash.

He will not require further surgery on his high ankle sprain, suffered in Saturday's 19-11 win over the Chiefs, after an arthroscopy on Tuesday revealed a "best case scenario".

"If one of the ligaments was not intact, I would have had to put a screw in and that would have put me out for up to 12 weeks - it is not as bad as first thought," Slipper said.

But if Queensland make the Super Rugby final, the Reds face a dilemma about risking a Slipper return which might jeopardise his Tri Nations and World Cup hopes.

"To be out of the semi-final is a huge blow for me - the grand final is now my focus," Slipper said.

"I am going to put all my trust in the medical staff that we have ... to see if it is worth the risk.

"I am leaving the decision (to return) purely to the medical staff.

"It would be a real hard decision for myself, something I wouldn't wish upon anyone."

But Slipper has shown he can be a fast healer.

The 22-year-old returned two weeks early from a shoulder problem mid-season and quickly found the form which ensured he became Australia's bolter of 2010, playing 14 Tests and ending the year as starting tighthead.

However, Slipper backed the Reds to bounce back from yet another injury concern.

"In the last month, the boys who have come through have taken their opportunity," he said.

"It is credit to our squad how well we have gone - we have used something like 36 players.

"It is a show of our character and the confidence we have in all players in our squad."

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