Dundee United full-back Paul Dixon will be out until the new year with a serious knee injury.
Dixon was carried off the pitch during United’s 4-1 win over Queen of the South and it looks like his and the club’s worst fears have been confirmed.
He is having a scan done but manager Ray McKinnon revealed that he appears to have damaged his medial ligaments.
It is a major blow for everyone at Tannadice ahead of tonight’s home clash in the Championship against Dunfermline.
McKinnon confirmed: “Paul is out long-term with his knee.
“It’s torture for him and we are just gutted for him.
“It’s a massive blow for the team as well because I think he’s been outstanding for us recently.
“He was really hitting a good bit of form.
“He’s good in the air, wins tackles and is quick too.
“Paul has everything you expect from a full-back.
“He is getting a scan on it but it looks like it is his medial ligaments and maybe more.
“He got his leg caught and one of their guys sort of fell on it.
“It will be a minimum of six weeks out and then there will be the time he takes to get back fit again.”
There was much better news regarding goalkeeper Cammy Bell, who suffered a calf injury against the Doonhamers.
He looks likely to face the Pars, against whom he performed his miraculous hat-trick of penalty saves earlier this season.
McKinnon said: “Cammy is desperate to play.
“He is carrying a wee knock but we think he will be fine.
“As soon as he kicked his first ball at Queens, he just felt his calf go.
“But it has settled down since Saturday so fingers crossed he will get through the game.”
Mark Durnan was also a slight injury doubt but will be OK, while the sickness bug that struck William Edjenguele and Blair Spittal at the weekend appears to have cleared up.
