Derek McInnes is navigating significant squad availability issues leading into the upcoming Scottish League Cup quarter-final tie against Celtic.
The managerial staff faces an acute crisis in attack after main forward options were ruled out. Youssef Chermiti was sidelined following a ruptured ACL. To worsen matters, Lawrence Shankland sustained a severe Grade 2c hamstring tear that requires specialist treatment, keeping him out of action for up to four months.
These absences force reliance on alternative attacking solutions. Summer signing Kevin Kelsy led the line in recent outings, while Bojan Miovski has made an impact off the bench by securing the winning goal against St Mirren. The return of attacking midfielder Kim Min-su offers extra creativity, but options remain limited across the front line.
The defensive and mid-third selections present further selection difficulties. Defender Tuur Rommens is ruled out of the cup tie due to a muscle problem, while Jose Cifuentes also remains sidelined. Furthermore, the backline expects to rely on the partnership of Olwethu Makhanya and Emmanuel Fernandez. Midfielder Nicolas Raskin stays available after a proposed transfer away from Ibrox did not materialize.
This depleted squad must now compete for a spot in the Scottish League Cup semi-finals as McInnes balances limited depth against their major rivals.