Aberdeen manager Jimmy Thelin has announced that striker Kevin Nisbet is set to return to full training on Friday, just in time for the Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Celtic at Hampden Park this Saturday.
Nisbet, who has been sidelined for the past two matches due to a muscle injury, is a crucial asset for the Dons, and his return comes as a welcome bonus for the squad.
The news of Nisbet's impending comeback is particularly uplifting following Aberdeen's impressive victory versus Rangers in the Scottish Premiership on Wednesday. That 2-1 win not only solidified their place in the league but also extended their lead over the Ibrox club to nine points, intensifying the pressure on Rangers' manager Philippe Clement.
The Dons are riding high on confidence and are yet to taste defeat under Thelin's leadership, so having their star forward back in the mix could prove pivotal in maintaining their momentum.
In Nisbet's absence, Peter Ambrose stepped up admirably, scoring a match-winning goal after coming off the bench against Dundee United last Saturday. Additionally, Ester Sokler has been given the nod to lead the attack, showcasing the depth and talent within the squad. However, the return of Nisbet, a Scotland international, is expected to bolster Aberdeen's offensive options significantly as they prepare to face a formidable Celtic side.
Asked about Nisbet's wellbeing, Thelin said: “The medical team did an amazing job this morning and everybody is ready to go, and even Kevin was out, and he's going to train fully tomorrow, so that's good. So we have everybody prepared for the game."
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Had Jamie McGrath dispatched his penalty shortly before half-time, it could've been an even more comfortable victory for Aberdeen.
McGrath's effort was tame and easy for Rangers goalkeeper Jack Butland to save, providing Rangers, who were a goal down at that point, a bit of belief.
Despite his miss, Thelin has backed the Irishman to continue on spot-kicks, should he feel confident to take them.
“No, football is football, and sometimes you make a mistake or it's a good save, or whatever happens," the Aberdeen boss explained.
“It can be not just only a penalty, whatever, but that happens to everyone and if you want to take the next one, you should take it. I think that you keep moving and believe in yourself, and we believe in him."
On Saturday's League Cup match at the national stadium, Thelin maintained his 'humble' approach and insisted that Aberdeen's 2-2 draw against Celtic two weeks ago has to be left in the past so the sole focus can be on this latest fixture.
"I think like we always do, we don't think too much about the last game," he stated. "It's a new game, it's a cup game, so for us we need to just prepare for this specific game and not think about the last game we played against them.
"Of course I can imagine Brendan and Celtic have learned things about us and we have also learned things about them. But still it's more we need to respect their qualities and find a weakness, then we have to prepare for the game on Saturday."
