Dundee boss Paul Hartley has revealed that midfield playmaker Gary Harkins will miss Saturday’s lunchtime game against Aberdeen as he is suffering from a stress fracture.
The Dark Blues have not played since February 28 against Ross County in Dingwall, when Harkins was employed up front.
Now as Dundee prepare for their long-awaited return to action, the 30-year-old will have to sit out tomorrow’s game.
However, there was better news on star striker Greg Stewart, who is winning his race against time to face the Dons.
Hartley said: “The injured ones are Gary Irvine, Jim McAlister, Luka Tankulic, Gary Harkins and Greg has been suffering from that Ross County game.
“He got a really bad kick on the calf but hopefully he’ll be OK for Saturday.
“Harkins has a little stress fracture on his shin which he’s picked up.
“He’s on the road to recovery now. It was just an awkward one that he got.
“Hopefully he’ll be back next week training.
“Iain Davidson trained this week and Paul Heffernan trained also which is a bit of good news.
“Paul McGowan is OK. He was ill for the County game.
“David Clarkson is back in the squad which is better news.”
Hartley admitted that he is just delighted that Dundee finally have a game again, albeit against a dangerous Aberdeen side who are still challenging Celtic for the league title.
However, the games between the Dark Blues and the Dons have been close so far this season, including the last one, an incredible match at Pittodrie which ended 3-3.
Hartley said: “I thought that was one of our best performances.
“I think you get disappointed when you’re 3-1 up with five minutes to go.
“But we know that Aberdeen have got quality throughout their team.
“In terms of a game of football, I think they’ve been good games between the two sides this season.
“I’ve got a lot of respect for the club, the management staff and the players there.
“I think they’ll be the same with us. They know when they play against us they are in for a good game.
“Obviously Celtic have picked up in terms of their results, but I think Aberdeen are up there with the best teams we’ve played all season.
“They’ve got real pace from middle to front and quality about their play.
“But we just need to get back playing football again. We need to get our mind on things and be focused.
“We can now look forward to a game on Saturday.
“I think the players have got to look forward to it. It’s been too long since our last game.”
Aberdeen have recently bolstered their squad, with boss Derek McInnes drafting in former Hearts star Andrew Driver who has returned to Scotland after a spell in Major League Soccer in the USA with Houston Dynamo.
Hartley admitted he will pose another threat his men will have to be wary of on Saturday.
He added: “Bringing in Driver is a good bit of business for them.
“I know him from Hearts. He was a young player breaking through and he came into the first-team.
“He’s got good pace and quality about him and is left-sided.
“He just adds another threat to their team.”