Dundee targeting defensive recruits in January amid centre-back injury crisis

Tony Docherty revealed Dundee’s injury crisis at centre-back is likely to force his hand in the January transfer window.

Jordan McGhee and Billy Koumetio both went off in the first half of Sunday’s win over St Mirren, while Antonio Portales, Joe Shaughnessy and Clark Robertson were already sidelined.

Robertson could return for Thursday’s derby at home to Dundee United along with 20-year-old Luke Graham, who has been recalled from his loan spell at Falkirk, but the Dark Blues are waiting to learn how long they will be without McGhee and Koumetio.

“We’re still awaiting the results for the scans for these two,” he said. “It’s quite unprecedented the injuries that we’ve picked up in the areas of the team. That’s seven injuries and five of them being centre-halves.

“Certainly, it is an area of concern.”

Docherty admitted defenders will feature prominently as he holds further talks with his recruitment department ahead of the January window.

“We’re meeting as a recruitment team,” he said. “We’re certainly looking, and particularly with the situation just now, with the injuries that we’ve picked up and the areas of the squad where we’ve picked them up, we’re looking at targets and ways that we can maintain what we’re doing at the moment.”

Defender Sean Kelly, who joined on a short-term deal in November, remains under contract until after Thursday’s derby and the club will then make a decision on his future.

“Yes, Sean’s still able to play,” said Docherty. “We’ll look at it after that, but he’s available for this game, yes. It’s up until the United game, and then we’ll sit down and get in a talk as a group, as a recruitment team, and see where we’re going with that one.”

Oluwaseun Adewumi’s initial loan deal from Burnley is due to expire this month but Docherty confirmed that he is available to face United and that he expects the 19-year-old attacker’s loan to be extended.

“We’re in constant talks with Burnley, and Adewumi’s fine, he’s continuing to play,” said Docherty. “There’s not been any paperwork done on it, but we’ve got assurances that Adewumi will be with us, so that’s fantastic news for us, because I think you’re seeing now in Seun, the development of a top footballer there.”

Mexican midfielder Cesar Garza, 19, could be in the squad for the first time on Thursday after it was announced last week that he would be joining on a year-long loan from Monterrey.

“The window’s not opened yet, so we’re waiting for his clearance,” said Docherty. “But all the paperwork’s been done. He’s been training with the squad and he’s looking good, so, fingers crossed, he will be available.”