Aberdeen loan striker Fraser Hornby suffers 'significant' set-back ahead of Celtic match

Scotland under-21 record-holder Fraser Hornby is facing a spell on the sidelines after Aberdeen reported a ‘significant’ injury diagnosis for the loan striker.

ABERDEEN, SCOTLAND - FEBRUARY 20: Aberdeen's Fraser Hornby is taken off for an injury during a Scottish Premiership match between Aberdeen and Kilmarnock at Pittodrie on February 20, 2021, in Aberdeen, Scotland (Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group)

The 21-year-old joined the Dons on loan from Stade Reims on transfer deadline day following the departure of Sam Cosgrove from Pittodrie.

However the 6’4” frontman has been unable to find the net for Derek McInnes’ side in the five starts since his arrival and limped off at the weekend in the 1-0 win over Kilmarnock – his 20th minute replacement Callum Hendry finding the net within a minute of the substitution.

Aberdeen sent the former Everton youth for a scan on his thigh injury and the Dons say the result has shown a ‘significant tear’ which will “keep him out for a period of time”.

The Dons face Celtic at the weekend as they chase Hibs in third place – but will now do so without Hornby and injury victims Ryan Hedges and Greig Leigh. Jonny Hayes is also a doubt.

Get a year of unlimited access to all The Scotsman's sport coverage without the need for a full subscription. Expert analysis of the biggest games, exclusive interviews, live blogs, transfer news and 70 per cent fewer ads on Scotsman.com - all for less than £1 a week. Subscribe to us today