In-form Aberdeen forward Pape Habib Gueye has been ruled out until early 2025 with a quad muscle tear.
The Senegalese attacker has scored six goals in a blistering start to the campaign, playing a key role in helping the Dons go joint top of the fledgling William Hill Premiership table.
After missing last weekend’s 2-1 win at Dundee with the injury sustained in training last weekend, scans have now revealed the 25-year-old is unlikely to be able to play again until January.
“It’s a big blow for Pape given how well he has started the season, but he is an optimistic guy and he will have our excellent medical team to guide him through the next few months,” manager Jimmy Thelin told the Dons website.
“We trust the squad we have in place, we believe in the players and we will work to find solutions to ensure we remain effective in that area of the pitch.
“Everyone at Cormack Park will support Pape to get him back to fitness as soon as possible and we wish him well with his recovery.”