Bristol City winger Marley Watkins has suffered a hamstring injury that requires surgery and is scheduled to be on the sidelines for 10 weeks.
The former Norwich City and Barnsley man is on-loan at Aberdeen this season where he has made seven league starts, scoring two goals so far, impressing in the Scottish top tier.
But despite the knock, his manager Derek McInnes is keen to extend the loan at Pittodrie if possible. The original deal lasts until January but the SPFL side are hopeful of taking it through to the end of the season.
The Robins have several injury problems of their own however and are due to assess the squad over the international break as they take stock of their own knocks.
"He has been really enjoying it, he has been a key player, everyone can see the value Marley has brought to the team," said McInnes in a press conference.
"If there was anything that could be done going forward then that is something I would be looking to try and do.
"But he is Bristol City's player and just has to make sure he gets himself sorted and then we can look at anything beyond that."
Bristol City have lost Andi Weimann for the rest of the season and their midfield ranks are set to be increased when Joe Williams and Liam Walsh return from injury, hopefully after the next round of fixtures ahead of facing Derby County.
Given how City are doing in the league, Watkins may be allowed to continue for the Dons.
Although City head coach Dean Holden explained on Thursday ahead of facing Cardiff City that the West Country men are due to analyse all of their players and injuries before considering the January transfer market and possibly recruiting a free agent.
Given that they recalled Jamie Paterson a year ago to good success, Watkins may be considered by the Ashton Gate recruitment team before being allowed to remain in Scotland.
"We’ve looked at some things and we’ve spoken to some people," Holden explained.
"Nothing’s going to happen before tomorrow and we’ll see where we’re at in this international break. It gives us a chance to sit back and take stock of the first 11 games of the season, the squad, the injuries, who is available and who is not and see where we’re at in terms of the window in January."
