Dundee’s James McPake will go under the knife today after it was confirmed he fractured his kneecap during Saturday’s derby at Dens.
The 31-year-old underwent an MRI scan in Ninewells Hospital yesterday to assess the extent of the horrific knee injury he sustained early in the victory over Dundee United.
The former Hibs skipper was stretchered off in visible distress after suffering what was suspected to be a dislocated kneecap in a challenge with John Rankin.
Whilst United players and team-mates tried to comfort him before medical staff arrived on the scene, it was clear the defender had sustained a serious injury.
While it has now been confirmed he has fractured his kneecap, there is relief that the hospital tests indicated there had been no damage done to McPake’s ligaments.
However, he is still expected to miss the remainder of the season and faces an extensive rehabilitation period.
His manager Paul Hartley is already on the look-out for defensive reinforcements with further doubts over another centre-half, Julen Etxabeguren after his eye op, while full-back Gary Irvine has also had to have a scan on his ankle.
The manager said last night: “I went to visit Jazza on Sunday and he is in good spirits even although it looks like he could be out until the end of the season.
“He has had bad injuries in the past and he is really strong mentally.
“We are now trying to bring another centre-half in and I have spoken to agents already but it is difficult.
“We could certainly do with reinforcements as Julen is going back to the hospital tomorrow for a check-up and we don’t know how long it will be before he is cleared to start training again.
“Gary Irvine is still having problems with his ankle and he also had a scan today so we will have to wait for the results of that.
“We are definitely short of bodies but we do have Craig Wighton back from his loan at Raith.”
Meanwhile, in a statement released last night by Dundee last night confirming that McPake would undergo surgery, the club also took time to thank the players for coming to his aid, saying: “We would like to acknowledge the professionalism from both sets of players during the derby match on Saturday who immediately helped when it was clear James was in significant pain.
“James is a vital part of Dundee Football Club and we wish him a speedy recovery.”