PITTODRIE has been hit by a flu bug ahead of Saturday's big game at Tynecastle, with at least two players doubtful for the game.
Key defender Zander Diamond and midfielder Gary McDonald are now major doubts for the clash with the Jambos.
Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood confirmed both were sent home from Pittodrie this week in an attempt to prevent the bug from spreading throughout the first team.
But there is the possibility that it has affected other unnamed players in the build-up to the crucial fixture.
Calderwood said: "Zander Diamond suffered a foot injury on Monday and has been suffering from a flu bug.
"Gary McDonald is also ill while Mark Kerr just returned today as he had been down for the last 48 hours.
"I don't know who is going to make it at this stage and the game is hard enough without having to put on players who are not 100%.
"We will need to assess the players on Saturday morning before the game and right now I'm just crossing my fingers nobody else becomes ill."