Aberdeen's Dimitar Mitov sidelined with shoulder injury ahead of crucial matches.
Aberdeen FC is bracing for a challenging period as their goalkeeper, Dimitar Mitov, has been sidelined for a month due to a shoulder injury sustained during a recent international match. The injury occurred while Mitov was playing for Bulgaria in a Nations League play-off against Ireland, where he conceded a crucial goal that led to his team’s 2-1 defeat.
Details of the injury
Mitov’s injury was the result of a collision with Irish player Matt Doherty, who managed to head the ball into the net, marking the second goal for Ireland. Following the incident, Mitov received immediate medical attention and was replaced by Plamen Ivanov Iliev at halftime.
Subsequent reports from Bulgarian media revealed that an MRI scan indicated torn ligaments in Mitov’s right shoulder, necessitating a return to Aberdeen for further treatment.
Impact on Aberdeen’s season
This injury comes at a critical time for Aberdeen, as Mitov is expected to miss the remaining three Premiership matches before the league splits. These matches include encounters against Motherwell, Ross County, and Rangers. With the Scottish Cup semi-final against Hearts scheduled for April 19, the Dons will have to navigate this period without their first-choice goalkeeper.
Next steps for Aberdeen
In Mitov’s absence, manager Jimmy Thelin will rely on Ross Doohan to step up as the starting goalkeeper. Doohan has already made 15 appearances for the first team this season, although his last outing was a challenging 5-1 defeat against Celtic on February 25. The upcoming matches will be crucial for Doohan to establish himself as a reliable option in goal, especially with the high stakes of the Scottish Cup semi-final looming.
As Aberdeen prepares for these pivotal fixtures, the team will be hoping for a swift recovery for Mitov, who has been a key player this season. The Dons will need to rally together and maintain their focus as they aim for success in both the league and the cup.
