Connor Ronan injury: Aberdeen await specialist verdict before Rangers semi-final

Connor Ronan injury news has dealt Aberdeen a blow before their Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, with the midfielder ruled out of Wednesday’s match against Falkirk.

Ronan has a medial knee ligament injury and is due to see a specialist. His availability for Saturday’s Hampden tie remains unresolved, with no recovery timescale announced.

Connor Ronan injury rules midfielder out against Falkirk

“Connor Ronan will miss the next match, definitely,” Stephen Robinson said in Aberdeen’s official press-conference transcript.

The manager described the setback as “a big blow for us, a huge blow for us” and said Ronan had been finding his feet and his form.

The midfielder scored in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat at Dundee United, bringing Aberdeen level for the second time before the hosts found a winner.

United’s official match report describes Ronan carrying the ball forward from midfield before shooting into the bottom corner beyond Jack Walton.

Nesta Guinness-Walker had scored Aberdeen’s first equaliser before half-time, but Zac Sapsford’s header settled the match after Ronan’s goal. Aberdeen twice recovered from falling behind and still left Tannadice without a point.

Knoester and Mayo absences leave Aberdeen short

Mats Knoester also requires specialist assessment after a scan revealed a tendon problem following a thigh injury in training, the Press and Journal reported.

The defender is unavailable for the next two matches. Lewis Mayo is also sidelined, with a fractured foot expected to keep him out for at least two months.

Dan Happe returned to training on Tuesday after illness, but Aberdeen still need to assess whether he is ready to feature against Falkirk.

Saturday presents a separate problem: Happe is suspended for the semi-final. His return to fitness would therefore help Wednesday’s selection without resolving the shortage against Rangers.

Kristers Tobers could be needed after lengthy absence

The defensive problems could bring Kristers Tobers back into the matchday squad sooner than Robinson would prefer.

The Press and Journal reported that Tobers has not played a competitive match for 13 months following a serious knee injury. A planned comeback appearance last week was disrupted by the virus affecting Aberdeen’s squad.

Robinson said Tobers might have to be involved against Falkirk because of the available options, while acknowledging that his lengthy absence made that far from ideal.

When do Aberdeen play Falkirk and Rangers?

Aberdeen host Falkirk at Pittodrie on Wednesday 28 October, with kick-off at 7.45pm GMT.

The Dons finished the weekend ninth on 11 points, one behind Falkirk. The visitors arrive after beating Kilmarnock 3-0, while Aberdeen are looking to recover from their defeat at Tannadice.

Our Scottish Premiership weekend round-up covers both results and the table heading into the midweek programme.

Aberdeen then face Rangers at Hampden on Saturday 31 October, with a 5.30pm GMT kick-off confirmed in the club’s semi-final information.

The tie will be shown live on Premier Sports. The winners will progress to the final on Sunday 13 December, against either Hearts or Hibernian.

Follow our Aberdeen coverage for further team news.

Connor Ronan injury: your questions answered

What injury does Connor Ronan have?

Ronan has a medial knee ligament injury and is awaiting specialist assessment. Aberdeen have not announced how long he will be out.

Will Connor Ronan play against Falkirk?

No. Robinson has confirmed that the midfielder will miss Wednesday’s Premiership match at Pittodrie.

Will Connor Ronan play against Rangers?

His availability for Saturday’s semi-final has not been confirmed. Aberdeen are awaiting further assessment of the injury.