DONS striker Scott Vernon will have a hernia operation delayed until the end of the season - if the Reds reach the Scottish Cup final.
Aberdeen's top scorer has failed to start a game since the home defeat to Motherwell due to the niggling problem.
The 15-goal hitman will be required to start Sunday's crucial cup semi against Celtic.
And with Vernon likely to require imminent surgery to cure the problem, a victory on Saturday would postpone the hospital visit until after the Scottish Cup final - meaning he would possibly miss the start of next season.
Vernon was a late substitute during Aberdeen's 1-0 home defeat to Hibernian on Saturday.