Dundee United are resigned to being without influential midfielder Fraser Fyvie for at least a month.
And the Tangerines will find out this week if the injury that led to him being carried off in Saturday’s win over Livingston is going to sideline him for much longer.
Fyvie was hurt making a tackle late in the first half of the 3-0 Tannadice success.
At the very least it looks like he’s damaged a cartilage but an MRI scan to be carried out over the next few days will show if there is ligament damage as well.
If that proves to be the case, the former Aberdeen and Hibs man’s spell out of the team could extend to several months.
And manager Csaba Laszlo believes that would be a massive blow for both player and team.
“The black point from the game was the injury for Fraser,” said Csaba.
“He is a great guy, a good football player and he is also important for our team, in the dressing-room and on the pitch. I hope it is just the cartilage and, after four weeks, maybe he can come back.
“He will get a scan and, after that, we will know everything. Hopefully it is not the cruciate ligament.”
This latest injury could leave United short for Friday’s top-of-the- league clash at St Mirren.
Defender William Edjenguele is definitely out after he broke a bone in his foot in training.
The game also looks to be coming too soon for attacking midfielder James Keatings, though he is not too far away from a return.
Club captain Willo Flood was an unused sub on Saturday after a spell out with a dislocated shoulder, while Stewart Murdoch could also be back after a hip problem.
“It is good that we have Willo back and he will be OK for St Mirren,” added Csaba.
“Murdoch will be training with the rest of the players against this week and I think he can also be ready for Friday.”
Despite the Fyvie blow, Csaba was delighted with the three points against Livi that leaves United knowing victory in Paisley will see them end the year at the top of the Championship table.
“It is possible we could have scored more goals but Livingston are a strong team who give you problems and I was happy with our goals and our win.”
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