Arbroath have been dealt a massive blow with boss Dick Campbell ruling out Scott Bitsindou for the trip to face Inverness.
The defensive midfielder remains on the Lichties’ injury list along with Tam O’Brien, Scott Stewart and Dale Hilson.
The 26-year-old Livi loanee hobbled off the pitch during the Lichties clash with Ayr United last weekend with a hamstring problem.
Bitsindou missed out on Arbroath training this week but is understood to have taken part in some light duties with his parent club.
But it appears the trip north to Caley has come too soon for the midfielder, with boss Dick Campbell confirming the player will have to sit out.
The big 6ft 4in Livi man has been a welcome addition to the Gayfield side since joining on a season-long loan last month.
“We have a lot of injuries. Tam’s still out, Scott Stewart, big Bitsindou and Dale Hilson,” Campbell confirmed. “It is what it is.”
Doubts over O’Brien and Stewart return date
Bitsindou picked up his injury while playing a central defensive role standing in for skipper Tam O’Brien who himself missed out due to an ongoing calf issue.
The Fife-born defender, who only missed one league game due to Covid last season, has had to sit out six fixtures so far this campaign due to a combination of suspension and fitness woes.
Meanwhile, Scott Stewart has been absent with a foot injury since Arbroath’s SPFL Trust Trophy victory over East Fife in September.
The versatile midfielder could be another week away from a return, at least.
Dale Hilson is another who is said to be out.
The forward had to be pulled from the starting XI before the kick off against Hamilton with a hamstring issue and is still working his way back.
Tight games against Inverness
Arbroath head to the Highland capital looking for their third win of the season against Billy Dodd’s side who have struggled for form recently.
Encounter between the teams have been tight in recent history with four stalemates in the last ten clashes. The 1-0 scoreline has also been played out three times.
Campbell expects another tight game on Saturday.
“I’ve not seen an easy game against Inverness, Saturday won’t be any different,” he said.
“I’m going up there to win the game.”
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