Jimmy Thelin reveals double injury blow ahead of Aberdeen’s clash with Hibernian

Aberdeen boss Jimmy Thelin revealed a double injury blow ahead of the visit of Hibernian on Saturday.

Forward Vicente Besuijen will be out for four months, while defender Jack Milne is sidelined for 12 weeks, after both players underwent surgery.

Besuijen, 23, picked up a knee injury against St Johnstone last time out, while 21-year-old centre-back Milne, who also played against the Perth side, required a foot problem to be sorted.

Thelin said: “Jack Milne will be out for more or less 12 weeks and Vinnie is out for more or less around 16 weeks.

“It’s not good news for the players of course. I talked to both of them, they are strong characters and have an optimistic mindset.

“We have to go through this together and help them and support them during this period.

“It’s two good people and two good players.

“It’s difficult in your career to get this setback but as before we have to support them and give them all we can to make a good way back.

“I told both of them that this can happen but it doesn’t mean that we forget where you were and your place and what you can do. We still believe in the players so we need to support them there.

“It gives opportunities to other players and shows what they can do. We are going to take everything, not get stressed but we also have to try to strengthen the team.

“Let’s see how we do that and also put trust in the players that we have. Let’s see if everything turns around in the coming weeks.”

Aberdeen are looking for a first win in six William Hill Premiership games and Thelin is looking to get back on track in their last home game of the year.

He said: “If you look at Hibs’ performance since the last time we played them (3-3 in November), they are creating a lot of scoring chances.

“They have found a good rhythm and are in a good place right now.

“At home we have had some OK performances, not always the best results. For me you have to perform to deserve the three points. It has not been so bad in some games.

“We are still on this journey. We have to learn to cope with the intensity, how we want to play.

“There is a lot of demands on ourselves and what we want to achieve. Sometimes we get small setbacks but you have to go again and try to build this.

“You can’t build a culture or identity quickly, especially when you don’t always get the results.

“You have to keep the belief and try again. Tomorrow after these two weeks of training I am really looking forward to the game. I think we are going to be a strong attacking team again and that is what we’re searching for.”