Aberdeen suffer big injury blow ahead of Celtic clash as star out for ‘a good number of weeks’
Aberdeen have been dealt a significant injury blow ahead of their meeting with Celtic this week
Aberdeen have suffered a significant injury setback ahead of their midweek meeting with Celtic on Wednesday.
The two sides will face off in the Scottish Premiership, after the Dons were humbled with a 3-0 defeat against Kilmarnock at the weekend. Celtic enter the clash after a 2-0 win over Falkirk and remain unbeaten since the second return of Martin O’Neill last month.
Aberdeen’s interim manager Peter Leven provided an update during his pre-match press conference and confirmed it’s not a good outcome for defender Mats Knoester.
Aberdeen defender suffers pre-Celtic injury
Knoester was stretchered off the pitch during Aberdeen’s clash with Kilmarnock after suffering ‘traumatic impact’ at Rugby Park. The centre-back has since undergone a series of tests and the club have realised a statement on his condition.
“Following the completion of a comprehensive set of medical tests we can now provide an update on defender Mats Knoester who sustained a serious injury during the weekend’s match with Kilmarnock,” the statement said.
“Having suffered traumatic impact on the pitch, Mats was transferred to Crosshouse Hospital for further diagnostics. He has now been discharged and will continue his medical management under the supervision of the club medical staff.
“Unfortunately, given the nature of the injury it does mean Mats will be unavailable for the short to medium term and an accurate estimate of his return to play will become clear in the coming weeks.”
Peter Leven reiterates Mats Knoester injury blow ahead of Celtic
Leven, who has stepped up on an interim basis to replace the recently sacked Jimmy Thelin, reiterated the extent of Knoester’s injury during his press conference.
“It wasn’t nice watching back and when you first see him knocked out, it wasn’t pretty, but he’s had his tests done and he’ll be out for a good number of weeks,” Leven confirmed.
Losing Knoester will be a huge blow for Aberdeen, as he has been almost ever-present throughout their Premiership season so far. As a regular starter for the Dons, the Dutch centre-back is a crucial part of the team and an undisputed starter in the ranks.
Knoester has now been with the club for a year, after signing from Hungarian side Ferencvaros this time last year as a free agent. The 27-year-old became an immediate starter for Aberdeen and his absence will be felt, especially as they look to climb the table and improve on their recent poor form.