Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes remains hopeful captain Russell Anderson will be able to play a part in the league run-in.
The 36-year-old has not featured for the Dons since sustaining a knee injury against St Johnstone in August.
Anderson, who is in the final year of his contract, underwent surgery to correct the problem but his comeback was delayed after suffering a calf injury in training.
The Dons, who host in-form Partick Thistle at Pittodrie on Saturday, have nine matches remaining and McInnes says Anderson is working hard to get back on the pitch.
One player who is available for this weekend’s match against the Jags is Jonny Hayes, who has recovered from the calf injury he picked up during last month’s 4-0 defeat by Celtic at Parkhead.
Midfielders Willo Flood and Peter Pawlett both missed Andrew Considine’s testimonial match against FC Twente last Friday but are also back in contention.
McInnes said: “It has certainly been a long road for Russell but he has been making good progress.
“Willo Flood, Jonny Hayes and Peter Pawlett are all back in training after missing Andy’s match.
“The extra few days of rest over the international break will have done them good.
“The only one who is still a concern is Russell but he is progressing well.”
The Aberdeen manager believes a busier than usual international break will have done his side no harm as they switch their focus back to closing the gap on Scottish Premiership leaders Celtic.
The Hoops, who have a game in hand with McInnes’ side, take on bottom of the league St Mirren at Paisley tomorrow.
McInnes added: “It is always a challenge to decide the best way to approach the international week.
“It was good because it gave us the opportunity to do Andy’s game.
“With the players who have played a lot of games we were mindful of trying to get them some time off.
“During this international break we had a couple of under-20 matches and a testimonial, so it was a good chance to give those who hadn’t been playing regularly some game time as well as a chance for everyone else to keep things ticking over.”