Chris Cadden injury: Aberdeen defender a doubt for Rangers semi-final

Chris Cadden injury concerns have added to Aberdeen’s problems before their Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Rangers, with Stephen Robinson saying the defender will “definitely be a doubt” for Saturday.

The right-back went off early in the second half of Wednesday’s 1-0 defeat by Falkirk at Pittodrie. Nicky Devlin replaced him as Aberdeen suffered another setback before their trip to Hampden.

Robinson’s assessment was reported by the Press and Journal. Cadden has not been ruled out of the semi-final, and no recovery timescale has been announced.

Chris Cadden injury: what happened against Falkirk?

Cadden went down injured in the 49th minute and headed straight down the tunnel for further treatment, according to Aberdeen’s official match report. The team sheet records Devlin’s introduction in the 50th minute.

Before the injury, Cadden had threatened at the other end. A first-half header was saved, and he later had a shot deflected narrowly over after combining with Ayoub Mouloua.

His departure came with the game goalless. Falkirk substitute Ben Krauhaus scored the winner in the 73rd minute, leaving Aberdeen without a response before full-time.

The immediate concern is whether Cadden can recover for Saturday. Robinson’s description leaves his involvement uncertain rather than confirming another absence.

Devlin offers an option as Aberdeen’s problems mount

Devlin’s appearance against Falkirk was his first since the League Cup group-stage game at Brora in July, the Press and Journal reported.

He is therefore an option at right-back if Cadden cannot play, although Robinson has not confirmed his semi-final team.

Aberdeen already have separate concerns in central defence. Lewis Mayo is sidelined with a fractured foot, and Dan Happe is suspended for the Rangers match.

Mats Knoester is also unavailable for the Rangers semi-final. A scan identified a tendon injury after he hurt his thigh in training. Stephen Robinson said on Tuesday that the defender would miss the Falkirk and Rangers matches, with a specialist assessment needed to establish the longer-term recovery timescale, the Press and Journal reported.

Kristers Tobers returned to the bench against Falkirk after a lengthy knee-injury absence but remained an unused substitute. His inclusion gave Robinson another option in the squad without providing competitive minutes before Hampden.

Connor Ronan also missed Wednesday’s match with a medial knee ligament injury. Our Connor Ronan injury update explains the midfielder’s specialist assessment and the uncertainty over his availability against Rangers.

A virus has further disrupted preparations. Before the Falkirk game, Robinson said illness had forced repeated changes to his plans for the previous match at Dundee United, as the Press and Journal reported on Monday.

When is Rangers vs Aberdeen?

Aberdeen face Rangers at Hampden Park on Saturday 31 October, with kick-off at 5.30pm GMT. The semi-final is live on Premier Sports, the SPFL confirmed.

Aberdeen reached the last four by beating Kilmarnock 3-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, the club confirmed. Rangers advanced with a 3-0 victory over Celtic, as the SPFL’s fixture list records.

Rangers arrive after a 2-2 draw at Hearts on Wednesday night, covered in our Hearts vs Rangers report.

For Robinson, the short turnaround leaves limited preparation time after the Falkirk defeat, with Cadden’s fitness now another decision to make.

Chris Cadden injury: your questions answered

Will Chris Cadden play against Rangers?

His involvement has not been confirmed. Stephen Robinson described Cadden as a doubt after the defender went off against Falkirk.

Who replaced Cadden against Falkirk?

Nicky Devlin replaced him in the 50th minute. Devlin could provide an option at right-back for the semi-final, but Aberdeen have not announced their starting XI.

When do Aberdeen play Rangers?

The Premier Sports Cup semi-final takes place at Hampden Park on Saturday 31 October, with kick-off at 5.30pm GMT, live on Premier Sports.