Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes hopes the return of captain Ryan Jack and midfielder Willo Flood can compensate for the loss of Jonny Hayes.
Jack has not featured this year after suffering a hamstring injury in December’s 0-0 draw with Partick Thistle, while Flood suffered the same injury in the Scottish Cup loss at Hearts on January 9.
Flood was on the bench at Inverness last week, while Jack could be back in the squad against St Johnstone this weekend.
Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes said: “Ryan and Willo have been training well and both are very important, experienced players.
“Both had travelled with the squad for the Partick Thistle match which was postponed on Friday.
“When we got injuries to Willo Flood and Ryan our focus turned to trying to bring in a midfielder before the window closed. We targeted two players and got one. Players were being thrown at me left, right and centre. Some we couldn’t afford, some we could, but we decided we wanted to try to bring in good players that could help us. We didn’t want to make signings for the sake of it.
“That’s why it is great to have them back. We were disappointed to lose Jonny Hayes through injury, so it is pleasing to have these boys back in among it.”
The return of the experienced midfield duo gives McInnes some much needed reinforcements but the Dons manager has been impressed by the manner in which Craig Storie has responded to his request for the younger players at the club to fill the void in their senior team-mates’ absence.
He said: “When we lost Ryan and Willo I said we may have to find out a wee bit more about our youngsters between now and the end of the season. Craig is one who has shown up well when called upon.
“Craig has done exactly what we expected of him. He is being allowed to be the player we thought he could be now that he is fit.
“He has had to endure a lot of injuries which has stopped him being at peak full fitness but he is doing the job we want him to do and has played his part in some strong victories.
“As manager I want my young players to be ready and make it difficult to leave them out. Craig has done that.”