DONS boss Mark McGhee admits Jim Paterson's loan spell at Pittodrie could be over after he revealed the defender has succumbed an Achilles injury.
The Plymouth player has returned to Home Park for further treatment and diagnosis having so far failed to respond to treatment.
And the left-back may not return to play in a red shirt, as his loan period is due to end in May and the injury is set to keep him out until next season.
McGhee said: "Paterson is going back to Plymouth.
"It looks as though he could take several weeks to recover and I do not even know if he will be able to play for us again this season.
"He will go back there and they will be able to take care of him and, hopefully, get to the bottom of his injury."
