St Johnstone could have a central midfield injury crisis for their crucial clash with Celtic at the weekend.
If Inverness Caledonian Thistle beat Dundee United, Saints will need at least a point at Parkhead to keep their European hopes alive.
However, there’s a possibility that they might go up against Neil Lennon’s champions without three key players in the heart of their team.
Mehdi Abeid has been ruled out, Chris Millar is likely to keep him company in the stand after hobbling off at Tannadice in the early stages, while Murray Davidson continues to walk an injury tightrope.
There was good news to report on Liam Craig, however, who was substituted at the death. Perth boss Steve Lomas said: “Thankfully Liam’s was just cramp as a result of putting in so much effort during the game.
“Midge has picked up a hamstring injury against United so has to be a real doubt.
“Mehdi has a slight chance of making the last game against Motherwell but I wouldn’t expect him to make Celtic.
“So we’re hoping Muzz is OK for the weekend because to lose three of our central midfielders for Celtic would be a huge blow.”
Lomas isn’t dismissing United’s chances against Caley, but he admitted the momentum is with Terry Butcher’s men as far as the match in the Highlands is concerned.
He pointed out: “You never know what might happen. I’m sure Jackie (McNamara) will want to get their first win since the split. They’re an honest bunch of pros.
“You’d have to favour Inverness though. They’re the team in form, and they are at home.
“We might need something at Celtic and hopefully we can get it. Whoever plays for us at Celtic Park, I know they’ll give everything.
“When we’ve lost games this season it’s not been because of lack of effort. We’ll certainly need it against Celtic.
“But it’s a game we’ll look forward to. There will be a big crowd for their trophy presentation and the Celtic boys will be looking to put on a show for them.”