Two of Dundee United’s key players appear to have kicked their last ball of the season.
Frontman Ryan Dow has been down in England to see a specialist for his ostetis pubis problem and is now set to have surgery.
To make matters worse for manager Jackie McNamara, it also looks likely that he will also be without midfielder Paul Paton, who has a knee injury that could require an operation.
The hope is that successful surgery for both Dow and Paton will give them time to recover before reporting for pre-season training.
United boss McNamara said: “Ryan has been down to see a specialist in Bradford and that could be him out for the season.
“He has ostetis pubis, which is a frustrating one because it needs rest and then you can see where you are with it.
“He might need a little operation so that he is back for pre-season. We will just have to wait and see.
“We will find out next week and it is six weeks on the sidelines if he needs the op.
“Also, Paul has had a scan on his knee and they have spotted something so he will be out for Saturday.
“But he could be struggling for the rest of the season as well.”
Unfortunately for the Tangerines as they prepare for today’s match against Aberdeen at Pittodrie, the selection woes don’t end there.
McNamara added: “Aidan Connolly is away home with a virus and John Rankin is also a doubt because his stitches have opened up.
“We are also waiting on Jarek Fojut as well, who has an ankle problem.”
Despite all that, McNamara insisted the feeling among the players is positive going into the Dons game.
A big reason for that is the victory last Saturday against Hamilton Accies that ended their long, barren run.
“The mood has been good because a good result can settle things down,” he said.
“It will be difficult because Aberdeen are a good side and have been very consistent this season.
“We won up there at the start of the season and beat them in the League Cup semi, where a few things went our way.
“But over the season they have been more consistent than we have and that has made a difference.
“We have had a similar season to last year, when we played very well in spells then hit a bad patch.
“Last year we had six or seven games where we lost our way. It has been a month later this time but that has been crucial.
“Now the players understand the importance of Europe.
“We want to achieve that so we are moving forward.
“The aim is to catch Inverness and we can close the gap a wee bit this weekend with the game in hand and still have to play them. “