Motherwell winger Chris Humphrey set for extended absence

Published on Thursday 19 November 2009 11:11

MOTHERWELL winger Chris Humphrey could be out until the new year as he struggles to overcome an ankle injury.

The 22-year-old limped off in the closing stages of the 2-2 Clydesdale Bank Premier League draw against Hamilton on November 7.

Motherwell manager Jim Gannon said: "He went over on his ankle. It was a really nasty one and it flared up badly.

"Initially we treated it as a major strain but there is a little bit of a concern so we are going to send him for scans and X-rays just to rule out any kind of fracture.

"Chris has had a tough season so far and it's disappointing for him to be out for what could be five or six weeks."

Humphrey deputised at right-back at New Douglas Park as Motherwell's defence was badly hit by injury but Stevie Hammell (hamstring), Yassin Moutaouakil and goalkeeper John Ruddy (both groin) should return against Aberdeen on Saturday.

"We're confident John Ruddy, Stevie Hammell and Yassin Moutaouakil will all be back to strengthen the defence and several other players who had knocks and niggles have cleared up," Gannon said.

However, Shaun Hutchinson will remain on the sidelines after suffering hamstring problems following his return from a two-month lay-off with an ankle injury.

"Shaun is feeling tight hamstrings again," Gannon said.

"Because it has happened a couple of times now we are going to have to look at it and maybe build him up to make sure that, once he goes back to first-team action, it doesn't recur."