Dundee United have had their worst fears confirmed by the news that Danny Swanson will be out for up to two months.
The midfielder strained the medial ligament in his knee during Saturday’s defeat to Aberdeen at Pittodrie and such a long lay-off will be a massive blow to player and club.
The injury comes at the worst possible time for both, with United having to do without arguably their most skilful player as they try to get their season back on track and Swanson looking to push on for United and Scotland.
As well as the enforced absence from domestic duty, the knee trouble will keep him out of the national squad for the friendly with Cyprus which will take place on the sunshine island on November 11.
Swanson (23) has endured a torrid time with injury over the last 18 months and had just appeared to be getting back to his best before this latest setback.
”We have the results of Danny’s scan and it has shown up a grade-two strain in his medial ligament,” confirmed boss Peter Houston. ”That means he will be out for six to eight weeks.”
Swanson will now watch from the sidelines as the Tangerines take on managerless St Johnstone at Tannadice on Saturday.
The visitors will be taken by youth coach Alec Cleland (link) but Houston believes the departure of Derek McInnes to Bristol City earlier this week won’t have any impact on the game.
”Alec is an experienced coach and St Johnstone have a team of experienced players so they will be just getting on with their jobs,” said the United gaffer.
”I don’t see Derek’s leaving causing any disruption to them and, as I have already said, it is going to be down to what we do.
”Saturday’s game will be tough match for both teams whatever has happened. We have had two bad results and performances but the players have worked brilliantly in training.
”We have worked hard on shape and things to stop leaking the goals we have been conceding.”
United also look likely to be without experienced defender Sean Dillon for the Tannadice clash.
The Irishman is still working under the supervision of physio Jeff Clarke as he tries to shake off his calf problem but the Saints game could come too early for him.
The right-back spot, which was filled by midfielder Willo Flood against the Dons, will be taken by fit-again Keith Watson, who has resumed full training.