Dundee United have been dealt a pre-derby blow after it emerged two of their key players are struggling for fitness ahead of Sunday’s long-awaited clash.
Manager Peter Houston confirmed that winger Gary Mackay-Steven and forward Johnny Russell are rated doubtful for the weekend’s Tayside derby at Tannadice following knocks picked up in last week’s 5-0 Europa League defeat by Dinamo Moscow in Russia.
Both United stars have been forced to pull out of tonight’s Under-21 international against Belgium and now face a race against time to be fit for the Dundee fixture.
”Mackay-Steven has a knee injury, which he’s had for 10 days now,” Houston revealed. ”It was touch and go for him in Russia, if I’m being honest. It’s swelling up, so we will have to look at that. Hopefully, it isn’t too serious.
”Johnny also injured his groin in the match. I’m hoping they are ready for Sunday, but we are working on them in Dundee.”
Houston also dismissed reports English Premier League side Swansea City had tabled a bid for Mackay-Steven.
”I can tell you categorically there hasn’t been an offer,” he said. ”I speak with the chairman every day, no matter what and he would tell me.
”Gary and Johnny are happy to learn and they are in no rush to leave.
”The club isn’t in any financial difficulty. With David Goodwillie, we had to sell, but we don’t have to sell just now.
”If it is an exceptional bid they will go, let’s be honest. But it will need to be an exceptional bid. We are not under pressure to sell.”