Bruce Anderson is in hospital after suffering a diabetic fit against Hibs.
The Livingston striker had to be taken off during their 2-0 Premiership defeat at Easter Road, while defenders Jack Fitzwater and ‘keeper Max Stryjek were sick in the dressing room at half-time.
In addition to that, Rangers youngster Ben Williamson was pulled from the starting XI after Ibrox medics didn’t like the look of the results from a post-Covid blood test.
Before the game, Livi announced the signing of former HIbs favourite Stephane Omoengoa on a two-year deal.
But the former Genoa man might not be available to Davie Martindale for up to four weeks as the Home Office deal with the required red tape in order for the midfielder to secure a visa.
“I feel sorry for the boys,” said the Lions boss.
“Wee Bruce is away to hospital after he took a diabetic fit on the park and passed out.
“Max and Jack were spewing up in the toilets at half-time.
“Fitzy went back out but that’s why we had to take him off and why he had his shirt up over his mouth.
“I’m not trying to make excuses - but we had eleven players out today.
“And I had four on the bench who couldn’t go on. They were just making up the numbers.
“Jackson Longridge shouldn’t have been anywhere near the park, nor should Craig Sibbald who had to start.
“Sean Kelly has rib damage from tackle last week but with Fitzy going off, he had to be thrown on.
“Ben was pulled out of the squad by Rangers because of a post-Covid blood test.
“He was in the starting eleven but their doctors advised us not to play him. His troponin levels in his blood were not what they should have been.
“Bruce might get kept in hospital overnight. So we don’t have our fires to fight just now.
“And now the work permit is going to be difficult for Omeonga.
“We cancelled one and applied for another one. As a country, we're not set up for Brexit properly yet.
“It could be four weeks before we see him on the pitch.
“But it's about how quickly the Home Office deals with it. We've done everything we can but they'll have bigger issues than Livingston FC.
“He'll certainly help because he has good energy and fits into our ethos.
“But when will he be able to do that? I can't answer it – hopefully soon.”
