| The big Czech has been struggling with a hamstring problem since the defeat at Hamilton earlier this month and missed the weekend win over Livingston.
When he felt the problem in training again yesterday it was decided to send him for a scan and that was duly completed last night.
Today, the results showed no serious problem, though Palenik may need a week or so yet to fully recover.
“Milan’s scan shows he has suffered a grade one pull and that is about the best news we could have hoped for,” said boss Alex Rae.
“It means he has not torn the muscle and it’s not too serious. Because he is still feeling it we can’t say for sure that he will be ready for Partick and that one is going to be touch and go.”
Long-term injury victims Ludovic Roy and David O’Brien are continuing to work apart from the rest of the squad.
Goalkeeper Roy remains some way away from full fitness after his calf problems and, while O’Brien is closer to readiness after his hernia operation, the very best he could hope for this weekend would be a place on the bench.
The visit to Thistle will be the Dark Blues’ only road trip for over a month with St Johnstone, Clyde and league leaders Hamilton all travelling to Dens in November.
While the manager is leaning towards a one-game-at-a-time policy, he admitted to being well aware of that.
“We have to concentrate on this Saturday and take care of that game first, but we do have a run at home coming up. That’s good, but, with St Johnstone and Hamilton among the teams we’re playing, it’s also going to be a test.” |
