Kevin Moon will miss St Johnstone’s next three games after undergoing an operation to his hand.
It had been hoped that he could wear a protective bandage to allow him to keep playing while the bone healed, but a specialist decided to put a plate in and that will mean another spell on the sidelines for the injury-plagued midfielder.
Manager Derek McInnes said: “They had to operate to make sure the bone reset properly. It’s far from ideal but that’s the situation and these things happen.
“He’ll miss the next three games, which takes us up to the international break, then we should have him back after that.
“It’s a shame because Mooner’s had a tough time with injuries, and he was in good nick, but at least this isn’t a serious one.”
Sam Parkin is another Saint who is causing concern, as there have been complications in the striker’s comeback from an ankle break.
McInnes said: “There’s been a bit of inflammation. He’s had an injection and hopefully that will clear it.
“If it doesn’t, then we’ll need to send him to see a specialist. We should know more by the start of next week.”
Chris Millar is still a couple of weeks away from a return, but Callum Davidson trained on Wednesday and he should be available for the weekend trip to Celtic Park.