However, he has a good chance of recovering in time to face his former club at Rugby Park.

And midfielder Robson is in the same boat. The former Inverness Caley man, whose season has been repeatedly interrupted by injury and illness, missed out against the Jags after picking up a knock on Monday.

“Robson hurt his shoulder in training, and having to do without him again was a big blow. He’s been doing well and I hope to have him back on Saturday,” said boss Ian McCall.

“Although he did not make it last night, Innes also has a chance and it would be good to have both of them available.”

Even if Innes does recover in time, after Danny Griffin’s impressive return to the startling line-up against Thistle, the former Kilmarnock man cannot be assured of an immediate recall.

Meanwhile, several fringe players at Tannadice are continuing to attract the attention of other clubs, including some in the SPL, and there could be movement when the transfer window re-opens on New Year’s Day.