Aberdeen captain Ryan Jack is set to be sidelined for six weeks after undergoing knee surgery – but last season’s player of the year Jonny Hayes is fit to face former side Caley Thistle this weekend.
Jack underwent knee surgery during the international break and is unlikely to be back on the pitch before the middle of October.
That means the 24-year-old will miss this month’s Betfred Cup quarter-final against St Johnstone on Thursday, September 22, as well as the visit of Rangers to Pittodrie three days later.
However, the Dons will welcome back attacking midfielder Hayes this weekend.
The Irishman has not featured for the Reds since July’s 1-1 draw with Maribor at Pittodrie in the Europa League following a hamstring injury.
Peter Pawlett is also nearing a comeback from a groin injury.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said: “Ryan had the operation last Friday and the surgeon removed a piece of bone in his knee that had come loose and they did a bit of work on the joint.
“It is difficult to tell how long he will be out but it is probably looking about six weeks.
“Peter is improving every day and we are confident we can get him into full training on Thursday.
“Jonny has been training with us for the last few days.
“If the game had been last Saturday I think Jonny would have made it. As it stands we have no issues with Jonny ahead of Saturday’s game.”
Crawford Allan will referee this weekend’s match between Aberdeen and Caley Thistle.
The Dons took only one point from a possible nine against the Inverness side last term – drawing 2-2 at Pittodrie and losing 2-1 and 3-1 at Caledonian Stadium.
Aberdeen defender Mark Reynolds is suspended for the match after his red card in the 4-1 defeat at Celtic Park.
