Aberdeen FC face a Hibernian side dealing with a defensive injury crisis when the two meet at Pittodrie this weekend. Hibs will be without both Grant Hanley and Adam Mayor for the Premiership fixture, handing a potential advantage to a Dons team sitting 10th in the table with 11 points from 11 games, having recorded three wins and two draws.

Hanley underwent surgery on his thumb following an injury sustained in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final. Adam Mayor has been sidelined with a hamstring issue, stepping out of training just two days before the match. Their absences leave Hibernian's backline significantly weakened as they search for a first league win under manager Marink Reedijk. Aberdeen's own recent form shows one win and four losses from their last five matches, including a 1-0 defeat at Rangers on Saturday 31 October.

Aberdeen's own midfield concerns

Aberdeen have their own fitness issues, with young midfielders Jacob Devaney and Jordan Obita still unavailable. The 19-year-old Devaney and Obita have both been sidelined with calf injuries since the start of Stephen Robinson's tenure. Manager Robinson provided a positive update on their potential return, however. "This is the plan, that after the international break, Jordan can return and also Jacob Devaney," he said. Robinson also confirmed that the club's next fixture after the international break is a home match against St Johnstone.

League context for Pittodrie clash

The match arrives at a critical point for both clubs. Aberdeen's recent form has been poor, with three consecutive losses including a 1-0 defeat to Rangers last time out. The Dons have scored 12 goals but conceded 14 this season, leaving them with a negative goal difference. They currently trail league leaders Celtic by 17 points. Hibernian, currently 12th, have played four league games under Reedijk without a victory, recording three defeats and a single draw. The last meeting between the sides in September ended in a 1-1 draw.

With key attackers like Kevin Nisbet, who is the club's top scorer this season with four goals in 11 appearances, Aberdeen will look to exploit Hibs' makeshift defence. The full fixtures schedule shows this is a key home game before the international break. A win could provide vital momentum as the Dons aim to climb from the bottom half of the standings.

This story first appeared at google.com