Goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov is facing up to six weeks on the sidelines after sustaining a hamstring injury, Aberdeen have confirmed on Tuesday.
The Pittodrie club have endured a difficult week, with Jimmy Thelin's side picking up just two points from three Scottish Premiership away trips at St Mirren, Hibernian and Heart of Midlothian. Although, they still sit second in the table.
Mitov, who has been undisputed first pick for the Dons since arriving from St Johnstone in the summer, had to be withdrawn at half-time of the 1-1 draw against Hearts last time out, but the Bulgarian was still waiting to find out the extent of the injury.
It means former Celtic back-up Roos Doohan is likely to become Aberdeen's main shot-stopper until at least mid-January.
While, Aberdeen have also recalled Tom Ritchie from a loan spell at Bonnyrigg Rose ahead of Celtic's visit to the Granite City on Wednesday night.
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Aberdeen fought back from two goals down to earn a draw in the previous league fixture between the side's. However, the Glasgow giants ran riot to triumph 6-0 winners when they faced off in the Premier Sports Cup semi-final at Hampden Park last month.
Thelin has noted that defender Jack MacKenzie will be absent for a second successive game due to injury, adding a further challenge to Aberdeen manager.
“That’s football sometimes – players get injured," the Dons boss said during his pre-match press conference.
“Of course, you want everyone always to be available, but it happens.
“Dimi has been really good, he’s a really good goalkeeper. We have a squad, so you have to find solutions and stay positive. Now you have to think about the player, to support him.
“It’s always difficult for players when these things happen, but we will support him on his journey back.
“Dimi is a positive guy, we have a good medical team here, so he will be supported.
“Ross came in and did well for us. He has trained well and we’re confident he will do a good job.”
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“He is almost there but tomorrow is a short time. Everyone else is available apart from Pape who is still out.
"That's what we said to the players from day one. It's always in the beginning you want to create some stability and a core to get a good start to the season, and then the schedule is what it is; it's a lot of games.
"So, players will get opportunities and they have to be ready. That's why this day by day in training is so important for the players to be ready because the opportunities will be there for everybody to show themselves and take responsibility for the team and be strong during a whole season.
"That's why you need a big squad and everyone needs to feel a part of the responsibility to have a good season for Aberdeen Football Club."
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