Dundee United’s injury crisis continued to grow at the weekend after striker Mario Bilate limped off in the defeat at Aberdeen.
The Dutch striker damaged a hamstring early in the second half at Pittodrie and it’s feared his season is now over.
If that’s the case he’ll join fellow attacker Ryan Dow and midfield anchorman Paul Paton in the stands for the rest of the campaign.
A problem in the groin area will sideline Dow until pre-season while Paton is set for surgery on a knee injury.
For Bilate, Saturday appears to have been the final chapter in an injury hit first campaign with the Tangerines.
The 23-year-old has been troubled with his hamstrings since his arrival from Sparta Rotterdam in July.
He’s managed just five games since the start of November and not completed 90 minutes.
“It’s his hamstring on his other leg this time,” said manager Jackie McNamara.
“I feel for the lad, he was visibly upset coming off because it’s been a bit of a horrendous time for him with these injuries.
“Just as he’s getting back it’s away again and it’s been that way since he came here.
“We’ll need to assess it and see what the damage is.
“That could be it for Mario this season.”
United should at least have John Rankin and Aidan Connolly back from injury and illness when they face Celtic at Tannadice on Sunday.
Looking at Saturday, Jackie admitted he was disappointed with the loss of the winning goal.
And he felt his team could have done better when Aberdeen were reduced to 10 men after Barry Robson was red carded late in the game.
“I don’t think there were a great deal of opportunities in the match,” added Jackie.
“I think that’s why it was important to get the first goal but a bit of concentration has cost us.
“In open play I don’t think both keepers had a lot to do and I don’t think there was a lot in the match.
“When they went down to 10 men it probably didn’t help us.
“They went to two banks of four and I don’t think our game management was good.
“We played in front of them rather than getting in behind them.
“That was a little bit disappointing.”
(via Evening Telegraph)