Kovacevic has been allowed to return home for a week, but, before he flew off, he was measured for the kind of protective mask that was pioneered by Tannadice legend Dave Bowman when he suffered the same type of injury over a decade ago.

“It will be ready for Mihael to try on by the time he gets back on Monday and starts training again. We will play it by ear after that, but it could be that it means we do have him back playing a bit quicker than we originally expected,” said boss Craig Levein.

By Thursday, the rest of the squad will have joined Kovacevic in having an extended break, but, despite the miserable weather, they were working hard today.