Aberdeen manager Stephen Robinson has demanded his side tidy up defensively ahead of Saturday's home game against Falkirk, with key defender Mats Knoester facing a spell on the sidelines. Robinson addressed the media on Tuesday, revealing a series of fitness concerns that have disrupted his team selection throughout a campaign that sees the Dons ninth in the Premiership with 11 points from 10 games.
Knoester is very unlikely to be available for the next two matches after scans revealed an issue requiring a specialist consultation. "Mats Knoester needs to go and see a specialist," Robinson said. "We’ve had scans and he’ll go to a specialist for a follow-up consultation." The experienced Dutchman's absence is a blow, with Robinson noting his calm character helps settle younger defenders.
Further defensive issues persist. Dan Happe has returned to training after a virus but his readiness for 90 minutes is uncertain, and he is suspended for the Falkirk match. Lewis Mayo remains out for a couple of months, while Kristers Tober also picked up a virus. In midfield, Connor Ronan will definitely miss the next game with a medial knee ligament injury and is also set to see a specialist. Findlay Marshall and Tony Yogane have only just returned to training.
Manager's assessment
Robinson took accountability for a cavalier approach in the recent 3-2 defeat to Dundee United, a result that typifies a mixed run of form. Aberdeen's last five results show two wins, one draw, and two defeats, a sequence that has left them just four points above the relegation zone. Despite the inconsistency, Robinson retains belief in his squad's potential. He insists they can produce good performances and win games if they eliminate defensive lapses, pointing to the leadership of players like Brad Lyons and Stuart Armstrong on the pitch.
Opposition perspective
Saturday's visitors, Falkirk, sit seventh and arrive with confidence after a fantastic result of their own last weekend. Robinson praised the work of Falkirk manager John McGlynn. "John McGlynn has done a fantastic job at Falkirk, with very good recruitment year in, year out," Robinson noted. He expects a side that will come to Pittodrie with no fear, making defensive solidity even more important for Aberdeen.
The need for points is clear from the standings, where the table remains incredibly tight. With home games against Falkirk and Hibernian on the horizon, Robinson will be desperate for a positive result to build momentum. The manager's immediate task is to find a stable defensive unit from his depleted resources, hoping that a cleaner performance can help top scorer Kevin Nisbet, who has four goals this season, make the difference. Aberdeen host Falkirk at Pittodrie this Saturday.
This story first appeared at afc.co.uk
