Aberdeen have been left sweating over another injury to first-choice goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov, with the Dons already grappling with a growing list of sidelined players.
Mitov’s latest setback came while on international duty with Bulgaria, adding further concern to a season already marred by injuries setbacks.
The Bulgarian keeper, who was sidelined for six weeks earlier this season due to a hamstring injury, had only recently returned to action.
However, his latest issue, a shoulder injury, has placed doubt over his availability as Aberdeen battle for third place in the Scottish Premiership with Hibernian, Dundee United, and Heart of Midlothian.
With a Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts on the horizon next month, the stakes are high for the Dons, who now face an anxious wait for Mitov’s injury update.
Mitov was substituted at half-time in Bulgaria’s 2-1 home defeat to Republic of Ireland on Thursday night, and his manager, Ilian Iliev, didn’t hold back in his criticism.
Iliev blasted the goalkeeper’s performance, which saw him concede two goals that he described as “absurd.”
“Dimitar Mitov had shoulder pain and we had to replace him,” Iliev said following the UEFA Nations League Section B loss at Stadion Hristo Botev in Plodiv, Bulgaria.
“He conceded two easy goals, which should not be allowed at this level – we conceded two absurd goals, which upset our game. We will have to assess the players for the rematch on Sunday and see who is fit.”
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Aberdeen’s injury woes have been mounting throughout the season. Key players such as Gavin Molloy, Jamie McGrath, Vicente Besuijen, and January recruit Kristers Tobers remain sidelined with long-term injuries.
Strikers Ester Sokler and Pape Gueye have also spent time on the treatment table, while Jack Milne and Dante Polvara have missed large chunks of the season before returning to the squad prior to the March international break.
Fans will be hoping that Mitov’s shoulder injury is not serious, as the Pittodrie club continues to push for a strong finish to the 2024-25 campaign.
Former Celtic backup Ross Doohan would be the man to deputise should Mitov fail to recover by Aberdeen's next league fixture against Motherwell on March 29.
