Comeback delay for Hibs defender Lewis Stevenson

Lewis Stevenson’s return from an ankle injury has been delayed and the experienced Hibs full-back will now have to wait until after the international break to make his comeback.

Lewis Stevenson will have to wait to make his Hibs first-team return. Photo by Ross Parker/SNS Group

The 32 year old was injured in the recent league meeting with Kilmarnock and left Rugby Park in a protective boot and although he had to sit out last weekend’s Scottish Cup semi-final showdown with city rivals Hearts, it had been hoped he would be in contention for this Friday’s trip to face Aberdeen at Pittodrie.

The game is important to both sides, coming on the back of their respective cup exits. They are also vying for third place in the Premiership, with Derek McInnes’ men currently sitting one point behind the Leith side, albeit with a game in hand.

Hibs lost the last head to head at Easter Road in August, but Stevenson, who has made nine appearances this term in the league and Betfred Cup, did not feature that day.

Having started the season behind young Josh Doig in the pecking order, he had battled his way back into the starting line up before he limped off in his side’s 1-0 victory over Alex Dyer’s Ayrshire side.

A frustrating setback for the player, the injury has not eased as quickly as anticipated and Stevenson will now be given the duration of the upcoming international hiatus to fully rehabilitate.

He is now expected to be ready to resume competitive action when Hibs welcome Celtic to Easter Road on November 21.

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