Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes is looking to strengthen his defence in January following injuries to a number of key players.
Mark Reynolds is expected to return in time for the New Year, but scans revealed that Andrew Considine has suffered a torn calf and could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Left-back Clark Robertson is already out with a long-term knee injury, and with Michael Hector returning to parent club Reading, McInnes is keen to bring in cover in the transfer window.
Youngster Craig Murray was expected to fill in, but he has now also picked up a knock.
“Whether that can be done at the start of January, or as we go through it, remains to be seen,” he said.
“But we’re confident we can bring in the necessary players that can help us meet the demands that’s put on us.”
The Dons face a busy festive schedule, with matches at home against Motherwell and Ross County, before a trip to Tannadice to face rivals Dundee United in a key fixture in the race for second place.
McInnes added: “Clark Robertson won’t be fit until February, Mark Reynolds will be fit for next week, and we are still waiting on scan results coming back for Andy Considine.
“But he will probably be out for a few games anyway so we are a little light defensively.
“Michael Hector will go back to Reading after the Kilmarnock game on the fifth [of January] so I do believe we will have to strengthen defensively in January."
Considine later confirmed via his Twitter account that his injury was worse than initially feared.
He said he was "devastated" at the extent of the injury, suffered in training before Saturday's win over Inverness.
The Dons are now expected to field a makeshift backline against Motherwell, and midfielder Ryan Jack could play out of position at right-back.