Derek McInnes admitted he was unhappy with Celtic defender Shane Duffy’s challenge on Ryan Edmondson which left the Aberdeen striker suffering from concussion.
The Aberdeen boss also confirmed midfielder Dylan McGeouch faces eight weeks on the sidelines after suffering a groin injury in Sunday’s 3-3 draw with Celtic.
The Reds are gearing up for another crack at the Hoops this Sunday when they meet in the rearranged 2020 Scottish Cup semi-finals at Hampden.
Edmondson won’t be able to return to training with the Dons until tomorrow under concussion protocols and McInnes was disappointed with Celtic defender Duffy’s part in the incident, which saw the on-loan Leeds United striker sustain a head injury after smashing into the advertising boards at Pittodrie.
He said: “Ryan had to go through the test the next day, but he’s absolutely fine.
“When I look back at the challenge, I wasn’t too happy with it. He got helped on his way and took a sore one into the boards.
“He took a sore one, right enough.
“At Pittodrie, like a lot of grounds, there isn’t a lot of room there between the pitch and surrounding walls where the supporters are.
“When you are going at full speed it can be a bit treacherous.
“Thankfully, he is okay and he seems fine.
“Looking back on the challenge, I wasn’t aware of it at the time.
“At the time, there was miscommunication. We thought he was OK and was going to carry on.
“Ryan hurt himself last Tuesday against Hamilton because of the closeness and the change of surface.
“We made the change with Marley Watkins because he was feeling his hamstring – although he’s all right and should train tomorrow and Friday.
“Ryan was a big more serious than we thought and had to make that double change within two or three minutes.
“Dylan is the one who will miss out. He got a scan that showed a tear on his groin and that will keep him out for up to eight weeks.
“That is obviously a really blow because I’ve been really pleased with Dylan.
“He’s obviously not played every game, but, when he has, he’s done well.
“I thought he was terrific against Hamilton last week and I think he brings us something a wee bit different, especially at home.
“I’m disappointed that he now faces a period of time out.”
With Edmondson and Watkins both recovering from knocks, McInnes says he would have no hesitation handing Sam Cosgrove his first start of the season at Hampden this weekend.
The striker came off the bench on Sunday to help the Dons plunder a point in his first appearance of the season following a knee injury.
McInnes added: “He won’t be perfect, but, if he’s needed to start, yeah. He couldn’t play 90 minutes.
“But you saw his contribution on Sunday, the fact that he gave the players a lift when he came on.
“He’s been a talisman for us and he certainly made his presence felt when he came on.
“It’s clear he’s still not as sharp as he wants to be or he’s going to be. But, considering he’d been out for so long, his contribution to the game was very good.
“In that finishing period, he was quite important to us. So I wouldn’t rule him out starting.
“He’s put together a good few days now and every day that goes by, he’s a step closer to being ready.”