Key players missing for Aberdeen ahead of Hibs clash at Easter Road

ABERDEEN were set to arrive at Easter Road for today’s SPL clash against Hibs without a host of key men.

Ryan Fraser, Gavin Rae and Clark Robertson have dropped out of the already-depleted squad that lost 2-0 at home to Celtic last weekend.

That trio will join first-team regulars Ryan Jack, Stephen Hughes, Gary Naysmith and Rob Milsom on the sidelines.

The absence of Fraser, the teenage winger who has earned rave reviews this season, will be a particularly big blow to the Dons’ hopes of becoming the first team to win at Easter Road this season. The youngster suffered a hip injury against Celtic last week.

Hibs defender Paul Hanlon is determined to keep the Edinburgh side’s home record intact but admits his side will face a tough test. He said: “It should be a good game. We’re looking to bounce back after losing at Dundee last week.

“Hopefully, we’ll be up near the top of the league come the end of the season but I think Aberdeen will be as well. They’ve a lot of experience, a lot of good players, and a lot of good young players as well.

“We never played to our capabilities against Dundee and, if you don’t play well enough in this league, you’ll be beaten no matter who you’re playing.”