Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has offered supporters a glimmer of hope that first-choice goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov could return to action in time for the club's crucial Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts on April 19.
The Bulgarian international has been sidelined with a shoulder injury in recent weeks, with former Celtic backup Ross Doohan deputising.
However, Mitov appears to be making positive progress in his rehabilitation as the Dons prepare for their upcoming Scottish Premiership away fixture at Ross County this weekend.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Thelin provided an update on Mitov's condition alongside news of other squad members currently unavailable for selection.
"[Kristers] Tobers, Dimi [Mitov] and Sivert [Heltne Nilsen] are still out and not available for the game. [Fletcher] Boyd was sick yesterday. It's more or less the same squad as last time," Thelin confirmed.
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The Aberdeen boss struck a more optimistic tone when discussing Mitov's potential return timeline, suggesting that both the goalkeeper and January recruit Tobers are increasing their participation in first team training.
"Dimitar and Kristers are more involved now in the sessions, especially today but still not 100%. Next week will be good for them and Sivert is still longer term," said Thelin.
"Dimi and Kristers can train more next week, be more and more involved in the team and then get the rhythm and consistency in training sessions again.
“For Sivert the next assessment is in one and a half weeks, maybe two, and then we will know more about that.”
The impressive traveling contingent continues a trend of strong backing for Thelin's side throughout the season.
The former Elfsborg head coach was effusive in his praise for the Red Army's unwavering support, highlighting their importance to the team's performances.
"The support from the fans from the whole season has been so good. If you think back to the games that we have played, we have had good times and good memories, and also in the tough times, the supporters have always been there. That's why we're still there in the table," Thelin said.
"It's a long journey. It can be the difference for the whole season when you get this. The last time we played away against Ross County, the energy, and we push to the end and get the late goals."
Thelin then stressed the importance of the connection between the team and supporters in building a stronger club going forward.
"For us, it's been important the whole season is still important. It's going to be important in the future," he continued.
"That's how we create a stronger club. For me, it's always the togetherness inside a club, not only the team but everybody is contributing to the success of the club, and I think this connection has been strong the whole season.
"It’s not something you take for granted. We have to always show up and everybody has to feel that we can, as a team, do everything we can, try our best and I’m so happy for the supporters. The support is going to be massive tomorrow.”
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Looking ahead to the trip to the Global Energy Stadium, Thelin acknowledged the challenge posed by Don Cowie's Ross County side, who have proven difficult to beat on their home turf.
"At home you always have to be strong, when you play away, you have to take some victories also in away games. Last time we played them there, we won in the last minute. In general they are quite good at home. It's a difficult game but of course we understand the situation in the table and our targets for the season," said Thelin.
"It's an important game for us and the focus is strong inside the squad. I don't think about the other games. I think about our game and again, it's not just like you can go out and win a game because you say that, you have to perform and you have to deserve it."
The Aberdeen gaffer also provided insight into how he views the opposition's strengths.
"They are a compact team, and make it difficult for opponents to create chances. They are strong in transitions. The last game at home (against Ross County), we played quite well in the second half, but they punished us," he stated.
"We have to improve things. I think our form is getting better and better, and if we can deliver that again and together with our supporters and believe in what we are doing, we will try to get a good result tomorrow.”
