Diamond injury blow for Aberdeen

Defender facing six weeks out

 

By Charlie Allan 

 

Published: 22/07/2008

 

DONS defender Zander Diamond could be out for six weeks after aggravating a foot injury during the 1-0 friendly win over Brechin City.

 

Diamond will definitely be sidelined for the next 10 days after being ordered to rest completely in the hope the injury, which has plagued the centre-back since last season, clears.

 

But manager Jimmy Calderwood admitted Diamond faces the prospect of being out for at least a month after that if the rest cure fails to work.

 

“It’s a major worry because Zander is such a big part of our plans for the new season,†said Calderwood.

 

“The club doctor says we have to give Zander 10 days of complete rest and take it from there.

 

“If Zander doesn’t recover it could be another four or five weeks after that before he is fit, but we are trying not to look at it that way at the moment.

 

“Hopefully the rest period will ensure he is ready to face Inverness Caley Thistle in the league opener. We will just have to keep our fingers crossed for that.â€

 

Zander, who was substituted early in the second period and spent the remainder of the evening with an ice pack applied to his injured foot, said: “There is no way I want to miss the start of the season.

 

“The injury has been bothering me for a while, but I thought it had cleared up. I came off as soon as I realised there was a problem and I’m hoping that has helped.â€

 

Skipper Scott Severin, Stuart Duff, Lee Mair and summer signing Gary McDonald have also picked up knocks, although they – like Diamond – will travel to their pre-season training camp in Holland tomorrow.

 

Calderwood said: “Seve picked up a knock in training and the others were injured playing.

 

“Duff is likely to be out for a week, but I’m hoping the others will be fine by the weekend.â€

 

Diamond’s injury means Haiti international trialist Lescinel Jean-Francois will get his chance in Thursday’s friendly against Dutch lower league side DZC.

 

The former Falkirk player was an unused substitute at Brechin.

 

Calderwood said: “It’s the ideal chance to see what the lad can do.

 

“He didn’t settle at Falkirk, mainly because he couldn’t speak English.

 

“He has sorted that now though, so we have taken up the option to see how he does in Holland. It’s up to him from here on.â€

 

The Dons will also be met in Holland by young striker Dyon Camero, who spent a period on trial at Pittodrie last season.

 

The 19-year-old is with amateur side FC Zutphen.

 

Dutch winger Jeffrey de Visscher is also clear to travel after his partner, Marijke, gave birth to a daughter on Sunday afternoon. The new arrival is a sister for their other child, Julia.

 

Calderwood said: “It’s been a hectic few days for Jeffrey, and we are all pleased for him and his family.â€

FFS

What is it with afc and pre-season

when was the last time we had one that wasn't a complete disaster?

FFS

What is it with afc and pre-season

when was the last time we had one that wasn't a complete disaster?

 

Jimmy GTF 

As Peterheid and I said, he didnt look great at the end of the game no surprise

I'm nae that worried. Charlie and Jimmy say he could be out for six weeks, it doesn't say that he definitely will be out for six weeks. We'll just have to keep everything crossed that he makes a quick recovery.

Diamond was not a happy loon when he came off, I think there is a good chance he was asked to play even though he wasnt completely recovered due to the 4-0 defeat to Peterheid.

Nothing wrong with a bit of speculation 

 

Do people honestly think players are forced to play if they are known to have an injury - especially in pre-season?!?!? Some of ye are daft as brushes 

 

If the manager is desperate enough then yes.

Get a grip!

 

The player could take the club to an employment tribunal if they felt their job was threatened by this.

 

If anything - employers are reluctant to have injured employees on normal duties in case they aggravate injuries and try to blame them for it!

 

At minimum it would need to be a mutual decision between the player and the club - not the decision of just the manager.

 

You boys got any theories on the Princess Diana Crash or Alien Abductions?

 

In industry its the fear of being sued that prevents employers forcing folk back to work. Not the same fear for football clubs.

Hopefully this is us being over pessimistic and he's actually back and fit for the start of the serious stuff two weeks on Sat

Didn't realise football clubs were exempt from employment law - everday's a school day!

 

Of course they are not or players would be able to quit with giving notice like the rest of us.

Not worried. Especially when we have the like's of Mair who can take his place. 

Of course they are not or players would be able to quit with giving notice like the rest of us.

 

I feel sorry for the slaves.............

Nothing wrong with a bit of speculation 

 

Unless it is really groundless and used as an excuse to rattle on the same pish.

If the player is desperate enough then yes.

 

More likely.