Dundee United have sent Danny Swanson to the specialist sports injury clinic at Lilleshall after his recovery from a medial ligament strain stalled.
The midfield playmaker has been out for two months because of the problem and, with no sign of it clearing, has travelled to England for intensive physio treatment.
Tannadice boss Peter Houston said: ”Danny Swanson is down at Lilleshall because he’s not responding as well as we would like.
”We have had a few players go down there in the past and it has worked well. Scott Robertson benefited from it so hopefully they will be able to help Danny out as well. It’s more one-to-one physio they get, with someone really working hard on a programme with them.
”Danny has hit the wall a wee bit on the way back from his injury and we’re hoping this will kick him on again. You can’t rush these things and we don’t want to take any risks with twisting and turning, especially in these wintry conditions.
”It will also be good for his peace of mind because he needs to know that he’s getting back to 100% again. We have missed his creativity in the team a bit but we won’t be pushing him before he’s ready.”
Houston was disappointed with his side’s performance in defeat against Celtic on Sunday and he is looking for a big response when they travel to the Highlands this weekend to face a rejuvenated Inverness side.
Caley have been boosted by their league win over St Mirren on Saturday and Houston agrees with opposite number Terry Butcher who has claimed they have been unlucky in many games so far this season.
He said: ”Inverness are a good side, so I wasn’t surprised to see them win. Terry and Maurice (Malpas) are doing a very good job and on their day Caley can beat anyone, as they proved with all the goals they scored against Kilmarnock and then winning at St Mirren.
”They have used the English market very well and have brought in plenty of good players. Terry is able to attract those English-based players to the club.
”It is always a very hard game up there so we are expecting it to be no different this weekend.”