Dundee suffer injury hammer blow with James McPake ruled out for fortnight

Dundee have been dealt a big blow with the news that first-choice centre-half James McPake will miss the next two weeks through injury.

The former Hibs defender picked up a rib problem during Sunday’s draw at Dens with Ross County.

Dark Blues boss Paul Hartley has now confirmed that 30-year-old McPake will sit out Saturday’s clash at home to Motherwell along with the game against current Premiership table-toppers Aberdeen on January 17.

The manager said: “James will be out for the next two weeks.

“It’s a blow because he’s been solid for us this season.

“But it just seems to be the story of our season with so many injuries.

“It’s nothing new so we’ll just roll our sleeves up and get on with it.”

Meanwhile, keeper Kyle Letheren could be back fit again within the next fortnight.

The Welshman injured his thigh in the warm-up before the New Year’s Day derby at Tannadice.

Hartley added: “Kyle will be out for another two weeks.

“It’s his thigh so we just have to make sure he’s right when he gets back.”