Sport nationSPFL Team News: Injury Updates and Suspensions Ahead of Key Matches
As the Scottish Premiership continues, teams are dealing with various injury concerns and suspensions. Here’s the latest update on the key players missing or returning for the upcoming matches.
Aberdeen vs. Dundee
Aberdeen welcomes back striker Kevin Nisbet, who has been instrumental in the team’s attacking efforts. Dante Polvara returns to the squad after the international break, providing a boost to the midfield.
However, Pape Habib Gueye remains sidelined with a quad injury, which has kept him out for several weeks. The defender’s absence has been felt, and Aberdeen will hope for his swift return.
Dundee will be without Julien Vetro, who fainted in the dressing room before last weekend’s win over Kilmarnock. The incident raised concerns, and Vetro will undergo further tests before returning to action.
Trevor Carson and Scott Fraser are expected to return to training after the international break, providing a much-needed injection of experience and skill. Joe Shaughnessy works his way back from a long-term knee injury, and Dundee will be cautious not to rush his return.
Dundee United vs. Ross County
Midfielder Kristijan Trapanovski is out for Dundee United after tweaking his hamstring against Hibernian. The injury is a setback for United, who have relied on Trapanovski’s creativity.
Louis Moult, Ross Docherty, and Ross Graham are battling to return from their respective injuries. Moult’s return would provide a significant boost to United’s attacking options.
Craig Sibbald is definitely out with a groin injury, which has kept him sidelined for several weeks. Ross County remains without Will Nightingale (knee), George Harmon (ankle), and Max Sheaf (thigh).
Hibernian vs. St. Mirren
Hibernian striker Mykola Kuharevich is suspended, which will test the team’s attacking depth. Lewis Miller is doubtful with an ankle injury, and his absence would be felt.
Dwight Gayle and Chris Cadden are set to return, providing a timely boost to Hibernian’s midfield and attack. Kieron Bowie remains absent with a hamstring injury, which has kept him out for several weeks.
St. Mirren defender Charles Dunne has been ruled out for eight weeks with a hamstring tendon injury. The defender’s absence will be felt, particularly in set pieces.
Alex Iacovitti is also sidelined with a similar issue, while Caolan Boyd-Munce is a doubt. Jaden Brown remains unavailable, and Kevin van Veen’s loan was cancelled this week.
Motherwell vs. St. Johnstone
Motherwell’s Liam Gordon is suspended, which will impact the team’s defensive shape. Harry Paton and Johnny Koutroumbis might make the bench but are short of match fitness.
Stephen O’Donnell, Paul McGinn, Callum Slattery, Sam Nicholson, Ross Callachan, and Jack Vale remain out, which has stretched Motherwell’s squad.
St. Johnstone goalkeeper Ross Sinclair misses out, but his injury is not serious. Lewis Neilson and Andre Raymond return, providing a boost to the team’s defensive options.
Bozo Mikulic could make his debut, adding experience to the backline. Uche Ikpeazu is back in training following knee surgery, which is a significant step forward.
Cammy MacPherson and Sam McClelland remain out, which has impacted St. Johnstone’s midfield and defensive options.
Kilmarnock vs. Celtic
Kilmarnock defender Stuart Findlay has been ruled out for several months with an ankle injury. The defender’s absence will be felt, particularly in the team’s defensive solidity.
Liam Polworth pushes for a return, and long-term absentee Kyle Magennis builds up his fitness. Polworth’s return would provide a creative spark in midfield.
Celtic defenders Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty did not train on Friday but might feature. Odin Thiago Holm remains out with calf problems, which have kept him sidelined.
Rangers vs. Hearts
Ianis Hagi and Danilo return to the Rangers squad after not being part of the European squad. Ridvan Yilmaz and Rabbi Matondo push for returns, while Oscar Cortes is further behind.
Tom Lawrence is out for four to six weeks with a leg injury, which is a significant blow to Rangers’ attacking options.
Hearts manager Neil Critchley expects to select from an unchanged squad. Yutaro Oda and Calem Nieuwenhof close in on a return but are not expected to be ready for Ibrox.
Key Statistics:
- Stuart Findlay’s injury absence: several months
- Celtic’s unbeaten streak: 10 matches
- Rangers’ home record: 5 wins, 1 draw
- Hibernian’s goal-sc
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