Csaba Laszlo is desperate to get playmaker Scott Fraser back before the end of the season.
But, as he closes in on a return to full training, the Dundee United gaffer knows he may have to protect the midfielder from himself.
This week saw Fraser have the cast he’s had on to protect the metatarsal he broke at the end of December removed.
And that could see the 22-year-old back working with the rest of the squad in a couple of weeks.
Fraser came back too early when he suffered the same injury last March. However, Csaba is determined this time his recovery will be done properly.
“For this reason we must be careful. We must be sure his foot is OK,” said the manager.
“Every day Scott is here and he wants to play tomorrow. He is a passionate boy and he wants to come back now but we will give him the time he needs to be ready.”
Meanwhile, Csaba confirmed fellow-attacker James Keatings’ surgery to correct a hip problem has gone well, though his recovery will be measured in months.
“Keatings has had his surgery and this is good but I really don’t think we will see him this season,” Csaba added.
“The good news for us now is William Edjenguele and Jordie Briels are back in proper training and they are looking good.
“Jordie has trained fully with the team. He has some new medicine and he is not feeling his (groin) problem so much, so this is good.
“Tam Scobbie will also be back in full training next week and this is good also.”
With Paul Quinn missing Sunday’s cup defeat at Aberdeen because of a training knock, United had to use Stewart Murdoch as an emergency centre-half.
That shouldn’t be an issue when they face Livingston a week tonight.
“I think William and Scobbie will definitely be OK,” added Csaba.
“Quinn will be OK as well, it was a small injury and not so big a problem.
“Even if the game was this weekend I think he would be available.
“And even Jordie might be OK but that is depending on his fitness.
“He has been missing for a long time but he has trained with us again and I was impressed.
“He is a midfield player who can pass the ball and is also physically strong.”
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