Dundee skipper James McPake to visit knee specialist

[News Bot]

James McPake’s bid to be fit for the start of the campaign has suffered a setback.

The Dundee defender has returned to very light training, away from the rest of the Dark Blues squad, in the last few days but is set to set see another knee specialist next week to determine the length of time he spends on the sidelines.

Manager Paul Hartley said: “McPake will go and see the specialist on Tuesday.

“We will definitely have a better idea on him after that.

“It is impossible to put a time on when he will be back.

“He is in good spirits, though. He is in a good frame of mind.

“Hopefully, he will not be out for too long. He will be back in next week, when he will see the specialist and we will see how he is.”

It now seems a return to training in the Austrian Alps, where Dundee travel next week, is a long shot.

McPake, who has been out since January 2, was already ruled out of the club’s pre-season games with Dumbarton and Alloa, as well as the League Cup group stages early next month.

Elsewhere, Paul is delighted with the condition of his returning troops.

He continued: “The majority of the players are OK. Just Kane Hemmings and James Vincent have picked up knocks. The others have come back OK.

“Nicky Low is working away and McGowan is much better.”

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