St Johnstone boss Steve Lomas is keeping his fingers crossed that his squad does not suffer any more injuries as he has just 13 fit outfield players available for selection against Aberdeen.
The manager has confirmed Gary Miller is set to miss the next few weeks because of the ankle injury he sustained in the game against Motherwell two Sundays ago.
With two other players already out for the season and further injury doubts for the Dons game, Lomas does not have his troubles to seek, especially after last week when Peter Pawlett returned to Aberdeen following his loan spell at Perth and Craig Beattie left the club by mutual consent.
The manager said: “Gary Miller is out for six to eight weeks, so that’s a blow because we’re already really stretched for numbers.
“Steven Anderson will be out for another two weeks, presuming he doesn’t get any setbacks. And Murray Davidson has an ankle injury, so we’re thin on the ground.
“I’d be really worried if we got any more injuries. We’re taking a huge gamble going with what we’ve got for the second half of the season.
“We’ve lost four players over the last few weeks. Craig Beattie and Peter Pawlett are away, while Jamie Adams and David Robertson are out for the season.
“Kevin Moon is struggling to be fit regularly and with Gary Miller now out until March it’s a worry. Right now we have 13 fit outfield players.”
“One or two more injuries and we’re going to be really tested.”
There was though some good news for Lomas after club skipper Dave Mackay formally signed a new two-year deal and Saints are hoping that Frazer Wright and Chris Millar will soon also agree to put pen to paper to remain at McDiarmid.
Lomas added: “Dave signing again is a great bit of news. He’s our club captain, he’s so reliable and brings a coolness and consistency to the team.
“Dave has been a great player for this club. You know what you get from him and as a manager that’s essential. He’s never anything lower than a seven out of 10 every week.
“Dave isn’t a bawler and a shouter but he’s got a lot of respect from the other players and he’s a winner. We are also speaking to Frazer Wright and Chris Millar about new deals.
“As for Rowan Vine, I’d love to keep him because he’s quality but ultimately it will come down to the budget.”
Meanwhile, Saints’ game against Hearts on Saturday March 16 has been postponed after the Edinburgh side made it through to the Scottish Communities League Cup final at the weekend. A new date has yet to be confirmed.