This is added to long-term injury victims Scott Severin and Fernando Pasquinelli, the latter requiring a further month on the treatment table with a persistent groin injury. Jimmy Calderwood told the Evening Express earlier this week: "Fernando says he is feeling a bit better but will have to go back to see the doctor later on this week. He needs to get himself fit as soon as possible. Even if everything is pain free with his groin problem and he doesn't need an operation he will still be out for another three or four weeks."
The lack of big Fernando is offset by the return of Noel Whelan, who officially had an Achilles problem last week which sidelined him for the Dunfermline game, but was more likely protected from injury on the Pars' perilous plastic pitch. This unusual decision may have been regretted by Calderwood as he watched the Dons' strikeforce wither against Dunfermline's defence.
Livingston, who are now a shadow of the side that once terrorised Aberdeen, will still prove tough opponents on Saturday, particularly with the Dons' current lack of confidence. This, added to the list of injuries, means that Aberdeen will need the Red Army to be out in full force to spur them on to victory in this now-vital fixture.