Dundee United still hope to have defender Brian McLean fit for the derby but striker Jon Daly looks set to miss out.
McLean has a chance of recovering in time for Sunday’s clash with Dundee at Tannadice and will receive treatment right up until the latest possible time.
However, while manager Jackie McNamara fell short of ruling his captain Daly out, the signs are not good for the big Irishman.
The groin problem he suffered in the Scottish Cup victory over the Dark Blues at Dens earlier this month is causing concern for McNamara, who will definitely be without suspended pair Willo Flood and John Rankin, as well as long-term injured duo Gavin Gunning and Johnny Russell.
“We will just need to see how the week progresses,” said the United boss.
“At the moment, it is not looking too good squad-wise. Jon is more doubtful than Brian. It is his groin, while Brian’s injury was a tweak of the hamstring.
“For me, it is about getting the right balance with the squad that’s important.
“We seem to be getting hit by injuries in certain areas of the team and we are looking to guys to do a job when they have not had a lot of football, not just in the last few weeks but for a number months.
“I always look on the positive side of things and this is a chance for players to go and show me that they deserve a place in the team.”
“We have a squad for a reason and it’s not just about 12 or 13 players,” said McNamara.
“For example, Robert Thomson did OK when he came on. He is one who has not had a lot of football because was on loan at Alloa but wasn’t playing regularly.
“He has come back to us and we put him on against St Mirren when Rory Boulding came off.”
McNamara believes the United supporters, who are set to vastly outnumber their Dundee counterparts in the Tannadice stands on Sunday, will have a crucial role to play.
There will be tangerine-clad spectators on three sides of the stadium and the manager feels their backing could prove crucial.
“I think the fans can play a big part for us,” said McNamara.
“For example, they can help the players who are coming in to the team by getting right behind them on Sunday. The players may need help to get through the game and the supporters can be a 12th man for us.
“They were exactly that in the Rangers game when we beat them in the cup and they can be vital again for us in this derby.”
United’s William Hill Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic will take place at Hampden on April 14 with a 12.45pm kick-off and will be live on Sky Sports.
The other last-four clash, which is between Hibs and Falkirk, kicks off at the national stadium the previous day at 12.30pm.