Flu has floored several Dundee United players ahead of the William Hill Scottish Cup fifth round tie against Partick Thistle at Tannadice today.
Manager Mixu Paatelainen refused to name names or put a number on those affected but it is the last thing the Tangerines need going into such a big game.
Paatelainen said: “We have a few problems and we will need to wait and see who plays.
“There has been an outbreak of flu and quite a few players have suffered.
“We will still have enough players for a team to face Partick Thistle but we will need to wait and see who is fit and healthy as I do not know who will be playing yet.”
Asked if he had considered asking for the match to be called off given the size of the sick list, he added: “We would never have requested a cancellation as we have enough cover and our squad is well balanced and big enough to cope.”
One player who has recovered from flu and should play against the Jags is central defender Mark Durnan.
Durnan is looking to carry on the good work from the superb 5-1 win over Kilmarnock in the league a fortnight ago, during which he grabbed a goal.
He said: “I have been off for a week with the flu.
“I am not taking blame for it, though.
“A few of the other boys have caught up but I’m sure we will be fine for the cup-tie.
“Our training has been great and the lads have been working hard.
“This is a good opportunity to go on a good run.
“We got a good victory last time out against Killie.
“It was nice to come on, play my part and get a wee goal in that game.
“We wanted to keep the momentum by playing again as soon as possible so we were disappointed when the Partick league game got cancelled but we are good to go again.”
Meanwhile, Paatelainen revealed that it was through choice that United will be playing the league game against the Jags as late in the season as April 5.
The United gaffer said: “That was my idea.
“There are quite a few midweek fixtures coming up so I wanted to play the game on that date.”