St Johnstone striker Chris Kane’s season could be all but over.
The forward, who scored the recent winner against Ross County, injured his knee in the defeat to Kilmarnock the following week.
The worst case scenario for Kane would be an eight-week lay-off, which would make a return to action this term far from certain.
Manager Tommy Wright said: “Chris hurt a knee ligament against Kilmarnock and it’s not good news for him.
“It is an awkward one and he is on crutches. He is probably looking at up to eight weeks out. If that is the case his season is pretty much over.
“We will have to see if it settles.”
Saints didn’t replace Joe Gormley when he returned to Ireland so, with Kane now out, Steven MacLean and Graham Cummins are the only senior out-and-out strikers available to Wright.
The Perth boss believes there are other ways he can fill the hole left in his squad by Kane’s absence.
“It is unfortunate and a blow for us but we just have to get on with it,” he said.
“It’s far from ideal but it’s not something we are going to panic about. We do have options and we can adapt.
“We have MacLean and Cummins and Swanson can play up front, and Coulson can play as a number 10. Young Greg Hurst has come back from injury and we have George Hunter as well.”
Meanwhile, Wright hasn’t yet counted Murray Davidson, who has had an injection to his hip, out of Saturday’s derby against Dundee.
“It is still wait and see with Murray,” he reported. “He feels good and could do some training this week but we can’t afford to have him break down so he will be treated with caution.
“In saying that, with his track record of proving people wrong, I wouldn’t rule him out of the Dundee game just yet.
“He jarred his hip at Ross County and there may be a bit of a defect. He had a hip injury six years ago and it is hard to tell whether it has flared up or if this is something fresh.
“It is a concern but the good news is that the injection seems to be working. Because after the scan showed up a problem if this doesn’t work he may need surgery.
“We just have to let it takes its course but the initial signs are good.”
Chris Millar didn’t make the squad for the recent defeat to Rangers. He and Steven Anderson are both doubts for Saturday.
Wright said: “Chris Millar has picked up another muscle injury. He missed the Rangers game and we don’t know if he will make Saturday.
“With him and Murray we have to err on the side of caution. If they were to break down at this stage of the season it would be difficult for them to get back.
“We also have a worry over Steven Anderson, who has a hamstring problem so he is a doubt. We have a few concerns for the derby but we are no different from any other club at this stage of the season.”
