Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes’s search for defensive reinforcements has intensified as he aims to add to his squad before the Europa League tie against Burnley.
The English Premier League side visit Pittodrie for the first leg of the second qualifying round tie on July 26 and the Dons boss is eager to bolster his defensive options.
Mikey Devlin has a groin injury which has left McInnes with just four fit defenders for tomorrow’s friendly at Cove Rangers (1pm) and will run the rule over Polish centre-back Krystian Nowak in the game to officially open Balmoral Stadium, the new home of the Highland League champions.
The Dons boss said: “We’re effectively running with five defenders at the moment and with Devlin nursing a wee injury we don’t want to put any additional risk on the defenders.
“That’s one of the reasons why we’ve brought Krystian Nowak in and are having a look at him. It’s an area we know we need to strengthen.”
The Dons boss has had to curtail his original plan to play as many friendlies as possible after cancelling Wednesday’s game at Caley Thistle due to his crippling injury list.
Stephen Gleeson, Chris Forrester, Sam Cosgrove, Niall McGinn, Frank Ross and Devlin are all nursing injuries.
McInnes said: “Due to the artificial surface we’re playing on at Cove we may look at resting Cosgrove but Forrester should be fine for the game.
“Calling off Wednesday’s game was 100% the right thing to do. It’s pre-season and in the big scheme of things it is far more important we don’t pick up any more injuries.
“We wanted to play more friendlies this year to ensure we were in better shape for the Burnley game but we can’t take unnecessary risks and we’re pleased John Robertson and Caley Thistle were so accommodating.
“The players have worked hard and they are getting a wee break from games this week but we’ve had three good matches already and there’s two more to come so I’m not overly concerned.
“We arranged the Inverness game as an added match but it’s important to be sensible.”
Greg Tansey, who has not been involved due to a groin injury since returning from his loan at Ross County last season, could rejoin his team-mates next week.
McInnes said: “Greg is still doing some work with the physios. He has had to overcome a slight injury which has meant he hasn’t been training with the players for the last 10 days but it is more important he gets himself right.
“The good thing is he has come back in good shape after his operation but right now his focus should be on getting himself back to full fitness.”
