However assistant boss Graham Rodger is confident that the 12-goal hitman will return on Saturday having got two days training under his belt.
"Because of the nature of the injury we're hoping to see him train tomorrow, be fit and be on the coach with us on Friday," Rodger told the Grimsby Telegraph. "That's not rubbish. That's a fact and it would be a big boost to have him back.
"He got a bang to his hip last Friday and he was struggling to move with any freedom.
"But he's better now and he's done very well for us this year. He's the leading scorer and we'd obviously like to have him available for selection."
If Boulding does return, manager Paul Groves is likely to face the wrath of the fans by dropping Phil Jevons and sticking with underperforming 'big man' Iffy Onuora up front.