Dons Defenders Injur...efenders Injur...efenders Injur...

This could mean that former Sunderland full-back Dan Smith's arrival at Pittodrie is a timely one.

The 19-year-old is expected to pen a three year deal with the Dons and may be thrown straight in at the deep end tomorrow.

Dons boss Jimmy Calderwood told RedWeb yesterday: "[Richie] Byrne and [Steve] Lovell are both definitely out for Saturday's game.

"Lovell is seeing a specialist and may have to receive injections to ease the pain, if that doesn't work he might have to get an operation.

"[Karim] Touzani, [Michael] Hart and [Scott] Severin are all very strong doubts for Saturday as well, which is a blow as we hoped they might be back.

"[Russell] Anderson received a knock in training today so we will have to monitor his situation but we are hopeful he will be fit for Saturday."

Former Utrecht striker Dyron Daal is expected to be unveiled with Smith later today, and could also be in line for an appearance at Love Street.

Calderwood said: "[Smith and Daal] will be available for selection on Saturday so that gives us some options.