Ross County face blow of losing Will Nightingale for the rest of the season after the Wimbledon AFC loanee's hamstring tear proves worse than expected
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Will Nightingale could miss the rest of the season at Ross County through injury.
The on-loan Wimbledon AFC defender’s hamstring problem has proven far more serious than first feared with medical staff estimating he could be out for the next 10-12 weeks.
It represents a serious blow to the relegation-threatened Highlanders who had called on the 28-year-old as a mainstay through 18 starts and four substitute appearances this season.
But the Staggies had better news on former Hearts midfielder Ross Callachan who is set to step up training on Monday next week after more than 10 months out.
County already have club captain Jack Baldwin and versatile Conor Randall absent through injury after a spell of upheaval under now departed Derek Adams.
Nightingale’s massive setback removes another experienced figure from the Dingwall dressing room just as the relegation fight intensifies.
Interim manager Don Cowie said: “Against Dundee, we were missing eight players. It was difficult because a lot of them are senior players.
“It's positive as much as it gives other people that opportunity to step up.
“Unfortunately, Will Nightingale has a significant injury and is going to be out for a period of time.
“It’s a hamstring injury, and it could be 10-12 weeks so it’s pretty significant.
“It’s disappointing. He’s a great character and a real leader about the place. I’m disappointed for him, and hopefully he makes a speedy recovery.
“We are missing a lot of leaders – Randall, Baldwin and now Nightingale.
“But I have seen in the last two games, people like Ryan Leak, our new captain, stepping up and showing those leadership qualities.
“Victor Loturi played very well in both games. Naturally, as a player, you have to try to be one of the ones that step up.
“That can only be good for the group going forward. Once we get these players back it will make us even better.”
Cowie was delighted to confirm Callachan was on target to get back playing in coming weeks.
The 30-year-old proved an influential figure for County across two seasons after being brought in from Hamilton Accies on Malky Mackay’s arrival as manager in summer 2021.
Cowie said: “It has been very difficult for Ross. He has had a really significant injury.
“Sometimes there’s a timeframe put on when you get back, and there are little setbacks here and there.
“What I would say is he is progressing really well right now. He’s chomping at the bit, and the plan is that as of Monday he will be back involved in full training with the group.
“It’s a massive positive to have him about the group again.
“I played alongside Ross at Hearts, so I know him really well. I know the qualities he can add to this club.
“At the same time, we need to be patient.
“He’s due to be back in full training next week, and naturally there will be a period of time where he needs to get used to the physicality of training again.
“I would like to think we will definitely see him before the end of the season, which is good.”
January signing Teddy Jenks and Cardiff City loanee Eli King could also be set to return for Saturday’s crunch game at home to Livingston.
