The injury to Pape Habib Guèye came as a hammer blow to Aberdeen this week just as the club where flying in the Scottish Premiership.
Still unbeaten in the league, Jimmy Thelin’s men are tucked in at the top of the league just behind Celtic on goal difference after recording six wins out of six so far this season.
The Dons’ most recent win against Dundee has kept it tight at the top of the league but now, Thelin will have to face the next four months without top goalscorer, Pape Habib Guèye.
Jimmy Thelin gutted to lose Pape Habib Guèye to injury
The Senegalese striker has been in red-hot form for Aberdeen this season and is the SPFL’s top goalscorer with five goals in five appearances.
But after tearing a quad muscle in training last week, Thelin confirmed that Guèye will miss the next few months for the Pittodrie club.
Thelin told Aberdeen’s official website, “It’s a big blow for Pape given how well he has started the season but he is an optimistic guy and he will have our excellent medical team to guide him through the next few months.
“We trust the squad we have in place, we believe in the players, and we will work to find solutions to ensure we remain effective in that area of the pitch.
“Everyone at Cormack Park will support Pape to get him back to fitness as soon as possible and we wish him well with his recovery.”
‘Nightmare’ Duk can replace Aberdeen hero Pape Habib Guèye
However, Aberdeen have been told by Leighton Clarkson that they shouldn’t panic as they already have a player ready to step into Guèye’s boots.
Clarkson told the Press & Journal, “Now Duk is back in the squad, he is another threat.
“He is a nightmare to play against and scores goals.
“Hopefully, we can get him back firing quickly, as we all know the quality Duk has when he is on form.
“Duk has been looking sharp in training and as fit as ever.
“It is about now getting up to speed.”
After the international break, Aberdeen faces a run of fixtures that will test Thelin’s side to the max. After Hearts at home this weekend, a visit to Celtic on the 19th is followed up by Dundee United on the 26th and then by Rangers on the 30th at Pittodrie.
If Aberdeen want to assert themself as challengers to Celtic and Rangers, then Duk will need to step up to the plate and show the ability he had when he first arrived at the club and rekindle his goalscoring form.