Craig Sibbald’s post-surgery update as Dundee United trio declared ‘touch and go’ for Aberdeen clash.

Craig Sibbald’s groin surgery has been declared “successful” by Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin, who confirmed the combative midfielder has been playing through pain for the Tangerines.

Sibbald, 29, has experienced muscle discomfort “for a period of time” but has remained a mainstay for the Tannadice outfit, such is his importance as the club’s 2023/24 Player of the Year. An operation was always on the cards.

However, the situation escalated faster than Goodwin would have liked during the international break, when Sibbald suffered a more serious setback in training.

As a result, he had to undergo surgery on Saturday and will not play again this year.

Successful surgery

“The surgery was successful so it’s now the recovery process Craig needs to do,” Goodwin stated.

“He will be limited with what he can do physically over the next week, then he’ll be in the gym gradually building things up.

“Sibbs has been carrying this injury for a period of time and we always knew it would require surgery at some point. We hoped we’d be able to carry him further down the line, but it’s been bothering him for a while, so it had to be done.

“It will be into the new year before we see him again unfortunately.”

Goodwin went on to say, “It’s a blow for us and for him. Sibbs has been terrific since I came in and that’s why we gave him a new contract in the summer. He’s been our Player of the Year even though he’s been playing through the pain barrier.

“Hopefully, on the back of this surgery, he’ll be back feeling stronger and better.”

Race against time.

Meanwhile, Louis Moult, Ross Docherty, and Ryan Strain are racing against the clock to make the matchday squad for United’s exciting trip to Aberdeen on Saturday.

Moult, who was still recovering from a knee injury sustained against Kilmarnock, and Docherty, who was nursing a niggling muscular pain, were both absent from the Terrors’ thrilling 3-2 victory over Hibs.

Strain is back in training after missing four months with a hamstring tear.

“It’s going to be touch and go for the three of them for the weekend,” said Goodwin. “Louis took a serious bang on his knee against Kilmarnock and Doc is just unfortunate he’s having these niggles.”

Strain and Gain

Whether he starts on the bench at Pittodrie or not, the impending availability of Strain, one of United’s marquee summer signings, has encouraged Goodwin.

“Ryan is a real positive,” Goodwin stated. “He’s been back training over the last week.

“His match sharpness isn’t there yet and we’ll have to wait and see how he comes through this week before deciding if he makes the squad at the weekend. But it’s great to have him back. It’s effectively a new signing.”

Strain is not guaranteed to return to the side.

Anything but.

Luca Stephenson, on loan from Liverpool and playing right wing-back, is United’s joint top Premiership goalscorer with two.

“Once Ryan is back fully fit again, we’ll have to find a way to get him into the team because Luca Stephenson has been brilliant for us,” added Goodwin. “He’s scored goals and been very good in all aspects of his game.

“There will be real competition on that side of the pitch.”

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