Aberdeen defender Considine out for rest of the season
Aberdeen defender Andrew Considine is out for the rest of the season after being told he requires hip surgery.
The 22-year-old has been hindered for much of the campaign due to a displaced joint problem and is now resigned to a corrective operation next week.
Recuperation will take more than four months, with Dons manager Mark McGhee admitting the centre back’s season is finished.
McGhee said: “It is something that has been grumbling for quite some time, but it has flared up and it has got to the point when he just could not play through it anymore. He has soldiered on but I do not think he has been able to be as effective as he would have liked.
“It needs surgery, so he will have it done and then get himself fit again for next season. He is a big, strong lad, who is extremely fit, so that should help speed his recovery. But it will not be in time to get back this season.
“It is a shame for him and a blow for us. Andrew has been very consistent this season and with Zander Diamond on the way back it would have been nice to have competition for places in defence – especially with him being left-sided.
“Unfortunately it is not to be but it could have been worse if Diamond was not on the way back.â€
Considine has been one of the few constants in a revolving-door Dons defence this term due to a succession of injuries and suspensions.
The Scotland under-21 international’s prolonged absence will not tempt McGhee to hasten Diamond’s rehabilitation, however, following eight months of injury problems for the defender.
Diamond, who has played just 80 minutes this season, has resumed full training but, at best, is likely to be handed a place on the bench for Saturday’s visit of Kilmarnock.
McGhee added: “There is no point is rushing Zander. He is happy with his progress and we will keep an eye of him.â€
Dons attacker Sone Aluko also faces another three weeks on the sidelines follow-ing abdominal surgery.
The 20-year-old Nigerian international has been out of action since the beginning of December and he has been limited to just five SPL starts this term.
McGhee is hoping to have the former Birmingham forward available for the run-in and said: “We have pencilled in a return for Sone in the testimonial game at Buckie on February 14 and he is on track.â€
McGhee is still hopeful of adding to his squad this transfer window but admits he is playing a waiting game as targets such as Falkirk’s Darren Barr and Swansea’s Stephen Dobbie assess their options.