Dundee boss Neil McCann has not ruled Sofien Moussa out of tomorrow’s Betfred Cup derby at Dens – despite the fact the big striker is currently on crutches.
The 29-year-old Tunisian had to come off with a knee injury after 51 minutes of Saturday’s Premiership defeat at home to Ross County.
Moussa looked to be in considerable pain as he was helped from the pitch and was back in at the club today to receive treatment.
However, McCann is still hopeful that the front man, who has scored five goals in as many games since joining Dundee, can play his part against United.
The manager said last night: “We are probably being a little over-protective with him.
“We are still hopeful for Wednesday but we are just taking all precautions in terms of keeping weight off it.
“We will know better on Tuesday and he still has 48 hours before the game so hopefully he will be all right.
“He just jarred his knee a wee bit. He felt some discomfort and he didn’t want to continue on it.
“I think he maybe got a bit of a fright so we are hoping it is not as bad as first feared.
“He had a rest day on Sunday and there was no point in training him today. The physio has given him the crutches just as a precautionary measure and we will see how he is on Tuesday.”
If Moussa does not make it, then Marcus Haber will come into the manager’s thoughts.
The big Canadian was Dundee’s top scorer last season but has barely featured this campaign and was absent again from the squad for Ross County.
However, McCann insists the 28-year-old still has a future at Dens.
He added: “Marcus Haber is still fit and he was not in the plans at the weekend because I pick the side that I think is good enough to get us results.
“Marcus found himself out of that.
“If Moussa does not make it on Wednesday, then Marcus will come into the equation as we would be a striker down.
“Marcus has a contract at Dens Park so he has a future at the club and until that changes he will be here.”
Young defender Kerr Waddell also had to come off at half-time against the Staggies but McCann is confident he will be fit to face United.
He said: “Kerr is fine. He had a bit of tightness in the calf but there doesn’t seem to be any underlying problem so he should be OK.”
