Raith boss Gary Locke has revealed that Scott Robertson’s injury nightmare continues.
The 31-year-old midfielder has endured a terrible time this season after needing surgery to his groin.
It looked like his rehab was well on track, especially after playing 45 minutes for the Raith Under-20s last month.
However, Robertson began feeling pain and the club had hoped blood tests would confirm the discomfort was being caused by an infection that could be cured by a course of antibiotics.
That though has proved not to be the case with the manager admitting everyone at the club has to rally round to help the former Scotland, Dundee United and Hibs player get through this latest setback.
Locke said: “Scott’s having a nightmare. He went for a scan the other day and they thought it might be an infection. But it’s not, so we’re going to have to get another opinion on that.
“I feel for the lad, because he’s just desperate to get playing football, but he’s having setback after setback.
“We’re all feeling for him at the minute.
“He’s got the mental strength, I don’t think that’s in question, but I’ve been there myself and when you feel like you’re just not getting any further forward it can be difficult.
“It’s important we all rally round and keep his head up, and hopefully we can get to the bottom of his problem.”
There was though better news on two other long-term injury victims, club captain Jason Thomson and defender Craig Barr who have been working their way back from knee and pelvic injuries respectively.
Locke said: “Jason has trained. He still won’t be available for probably a couple of weeks but it’s good to get him back on the training pitch, as it is Craig Barr.
“It’s been a long slog for them but their experience will be vital to us and I’m delighted to get them back.
“Jason’s not had any reaction and as long as that continues then he can crack on and we can hopefully get him in amongst the squad maybe at the start of the year.
“The next step will be a development game for him.”
Bobby Barr who had been out injured since playing against Falkirk on October 22 made his comeback last week in the defeat at St Mirren.
Locke added: “I was delighted to get him back. I think he showed how much of a loss he has been to the squad.
“Bobby came on and made a big, big difference to the team, so I’m delighted to have him back fit again.
“It will take him a couple of games to get up and running but it’s great to have him back.
“Hopefully that’s the injury list clearing up a bit and we don’t get any more.
“We’ll see what happens in January but it would be great to have a fully-fit squad.”
Raith have a big game tomorrow at Stark’s Park against a Dundee United side who have put together an incredible 12-game unbeaten run.
Locke, who will welcome back key defender Kyle Benedictus for the game, is hoping it will be 13th time unlucky for the side managed by former Rovers boss Ray McKinnon.
He said: “United are on a great run, which I fully expected. United and Hibs have the two biggest budgets and are paying the highest wages. They’re big clubs, with big supports.
“So, I think everybody expected them to be up the top of the league.
“But it’s a game which we’re looking forward to.
“I was pleased with the way we played against St Mirren and we’re going into the game fully confident, and hopefully we can bring an end to their good run.”
Locke added: “There will be a wee bit extra to the game with the previous manager coming back but Ray did a fantastic job here at Raith and people have got to remember that.
“It’s not up to me how our supporters react to Ray coming back but it’s certainly a game I’m looking forward to and it will be a great game for all the players to play in.”
