Kacper Lopata and Aidan Denholm's return could change the game for Ross County.
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As Ross County prepares for a pivotal Premiership match against Hibernian, the team is set to receive a significant fitness boost. The anticipated return of Polish centre-half Kacper Lopata and midfielder Aidan Denholm, both of whom missed recent matches due to injuries, could prove vital for the Staggies as they seek to improve their standing in the league.
Recent struggles and the need for reinforcements
In their last two outings, Ross County faced heavy defeats against Celtic and Rangers, losing 5-0 and 3-0 respectively. These losses have tightened the competition in the league, with St Johnstone, Kilmarnock, Hearts, and Hibernian all closely trailing County, who currently sit just three points above the relegation zone.
The pressure is mounting as the team heads into a crucial match against Hibernian, who, despite being at the bottom of the table, have shown resilience with a recent 3-3 draw against Aberdeen and a convincing 3-0 victory over Motherwell.
Positive updates from the training ground
In a pre-match press conference, County manager Don Cowie confirmed that both Lopata and Denholm have returned to training and are in contention for Saturday’s match. Cowie expressed his relief at Lopata’s recovery from a back issue, highlighting the defender’s significant impact since joining the club. “Kacper has had a massive influence at the club since he came in. We were disappointed not to have him in the past couple of games,” Cowie stated. Denholm, who has been sidelined with an unspecified injury, is also expected to play a crucial role upon his return, given his versatility and leadership qualities.
Long-term injuries and their implications
While the return of Lopata and Denholm is promising, Cowie also addressed the status of other players who have been out long-term. Defender Ricki Lamie has been recovering from an Achilles injury, while Will Nightingale is still working through a knee injury sustained earlier in the season. Midfielder Max Sheaf, who has yet to feature this season due to a thigh injury, is also making progress in training. Cowie remains optimistic about their returns, emphasizing the importance of patience in the recovery process. “We’re hoping Will might be back training at the end of this month, which would be a significant boost for us,” he noted.
Looking ahead: A crucial stretch for Ross County
With the team having faced Celtic and Rangers twice already this season, the focus now shifts to upcoming matches against Hibernian, St Mirren, Dundee, and Hearts. A victory at Easter Road would not only mark their first away league win in 15 months but also provide a much-needed morale boost as they aim to solidify their position in the league. Cowie acknowledged the importance of these upcoming fixtures, stating, “The league table is very tight where we are, so it is important we rack up points in these upcoming games.” A strong performance against Hibernian could set the tone for the remainder of the season, allowing Ross County to build momentum as they strive for a successful finish.
