Midfielder Sam Stanton is the major Dundee United doubt for Saturday’s Tannadice clash with Partick Thistle.
However, stalwart Stewart Murdoch and summer signing Callum Booth could be in the reckoning to make their first league appearances of the campaign.
In the absence of club captain Fraser Fyvie, Stanton has been wearing the captain’s armband for the Tangerines.
Though, he could be forced to sit out this weekend’s game because of groin trouble and, if that’s the case, there are concerns he could be out for some time.
“Sam Stanton has a hernia problem that has come from nothing, so this is bad,” explained boss Csaba Laszlo.
“He will try for these last two days of the week.
“Hopefully, he will be OK and doesn’t need to stay too long out.”
If that isn’t the case the fear would be the 24-year-old could require surgery but right now United are hopeful a week or so of rest after their victory at Queen of the South should have been sufficient to clear the problem.
And the return to full training of Murdoch and Booth this week will add to Csaba’s selection options. Whether or not either is fit to start on Saturday remains to be seen.
A swollen knee means Murdoch hasn’t played since the Betfred Cup tie against Alloa a month ago.
Whereas Booth’s absence stretches back a few days longer, to when he picked up a knock at Ross County in his only competitive appearance so far.
Just the fact both are back working normally, however, is good news for their gaffer, though he remains frustrated by the continued absence of winger Billy King because of a thigh injury.
“Callum Booth has trained with the team and also Stewart Murdoch has trained fully with the team, so they are now fit.
“Billy King is still struggling with this stupid injury that he didn’t even get from training,” added Csaba.
“He hasn’t done one training session so far this season.
“Last season he was one of the most important players for the team but he is struggling with this injury and it continues to affect him.”
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