Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is confident there is enough depth in his squad to cope with the loss of central defender Mark Reynolds.
Aberdeen are preparing for Thursday’s second leg match against Macedonian side Shkendija without the 28-year-old, who suffered a shoulder injury in Skopje last week.
Paul Quinn, who made a goal-saving challenge to prevent Stenio Junior netting for Shkendija only moments after coming on for Reynolds, will be the likely replacement for this week’s encounter.
McInnes could move Andrew Considine into the centre of defence alongside Ash Taylor and move Graeme Shinnie, who impressed in midfield against Shkendija, back to left back.
The Aberdeen manager said: “We lost a few defenders at the end of last season. Joe Shaughnessy, Clark Robertson, Russell Anderson, Donervorn Daniels and Craig Murray all left but we have brought in two players in Paul Quinn and Graeme Shinnie who will certainly expect to play and be doing their best to play.
“I have got six senior defenders now as well as a couple of younger ones who have shown up well.
“People can see there is competition right throughout the team. There is real competition in the centre of midfield and we have good options up front as well as out wide.
“That quality competition is the way it should be.
“Although we may be working with one or two fewer in terms of numbers, I feel the squad has improved every year since we came in.
“We improved on the squad I inherited and last year’s squad was stronger again.
“The aim is for this year’s squad to be better than last year, but there are no guarantees with that and we’ve still got it all to prove.
“But I am confident the players we have brought in can improve the squad.”
Thursday’s 1-1 draw against Shkendija was an energy-sapping shift on a hot and humid evening in Skopje but McInnes was pleased with the fitness levels displayed by his players in testing conditions.
He added: “It was quite demanding. We asked them to press quite high and there’s always a few reasons for not maintaining a level of intensity.
“We were a bit rusty, but I was pleased with the fitness. We will be better for having had the game as nothing prepares you like a competitive game.”
Former Ross County defender Quinn is enjoying being involved in the Europa League.
His substitute appearance against Shkendija was his first taste of European football since playing for Motherwell against Nancy in the Uefa Cup in 2008.
He said: “It is an exciting time. The staff and everyone are excited so it is good to be a part of it.
“It is good to be talking about something different from what you are used to and have a new challenge.
“It makes it feel extra special when you see people who have spent their hard-earned money to get buses, trains and planes across to matches as well as the money they spend on their ticket and the hotel – and they are divorced when they come home.
“We feel important when we see people travel all that way and it does make you want to try your best for them.”