NafisaDundee are facing an anxious wait over striker Bobby Wales after the on-loan forward was sent to see a second specialist, with the club still searching for a definitive diagnosis on his ankle injury.
The development comes as Steven Pressley prepares his squad for another meeting with Rangers, with the two sides scheduled to face each other in a closed-doors match at Dundee’s training ground on Tuesday.
Wales has been sidelined since sustaining the injury shortly before scoring for Scotland Under-21s in Bulgaria. He has since returned to Swansea City, where the club’s medical team are assessing the problem.
Dundee have already sought specialist advice once, but the forward is now awaiting the results of a second opinion before a rehabilitation plan can be agreed.
Pressley confirmed that the situation remains unresolved, leaving Dundee uncertain about when their striker could return to action.
“I don’t think we’ll hear anything on Bobby Wales until later this week. He’s still down at Swansea,” the Dundee head coach said.
The wait for clarity will be frustrating for Dundee, who must establish the extent of the injury before determining the next steps in Wales’ recovery.
For Rangers, the update provides an important development to monitor ahead of Tuesday’s behind-closed-doors encounter, although the match is primarily intended to help Dundee players build fitness and regain match sharpness rather than serve as a competitive fixture.
SECOND DUNDEE STRIKER ALSO FACING A FITNESS BATTLE
Wales is not the only Dundee forward currently dealing with an ankle problem.
Joe Westley is also sidelined after suffering an injury during training, and Pressley does not expect him to be available for the weekend trip to St Mirren.
However, the Dundee boss has not completely ruled out the possibility of a quicker return, with Westley continuing to work towards getting back on the pitch.
“No update on Joe Westley. He’ll continue to push. I’d imagine this weekend will be too soon. But you never know with Joe Westley,” Pressley explained.
Having two strikers dealing with ankle injuries presents an additional concern for Dundee as they attempt to maintain their momentum in the Premiership.
The club will be keen to avoid rushing either player back before they are ready, particularly with the medical picture surrounding Wales still unclear.
RANGERS CLASH TO HELP DUNDEE PLAYERS REGAIN MATCH FITNESS
Tuesday’s closed-doors meeting with Rangers will give Dundee the opportunity to provide valuable minutes to players who have been short of action or are returning from injury.
Pressley confirmed that Charlie Reilly, Ryan Finnigan, Joe Wright and Brad Halliday are among those expected to benefit from the additional game time.
“We have a bounce game on Tuesday to get some game time for the likes of Charlie Reilly, Ryan Finnigan, Joe Wright, Brad Halliday, all the ones who need additional game time,” he said.
“So that’ll be very beneficial. Charlie had only trained a couple of days since coming back. With Ryan Finnigan Friday was the first session that he got through. In my mind, they were there for an emergency situation but ideally I don’t want to take risks with them.”
The fixture will allow Dundee to assess the condition of their returning players without immediately exposing them to the demands of another competitive match.
Pressley’s comments suggest that, while some players could be involved, Dundee remain cautious about their readiness for full first-team duties.
The manager will want to ensure that those returning from injury are properly prepared before being considered for important Premiership fixtures.
CALLUM JONES EARNS PRAISE AFTER RANGERS PERFORMANCE
Meanwhile, Pressley has praised Callum Jones for his recent progress after the midfielder scored Dundee’s equaliser in their 2-2 draw against Rangers.
Jones has been improving gradually, according to his manager, who believes the player is beginning to settle into life at the club and could still offer considerably more.
“I think game-by-game he’s improved. I still think there’s a lot more to come from him. I’ve chatted to him on a number of occasions about certain things and how we’re going to improve. He’s really taken things on board. He’s really determined to improve,” Pressley said.
The Dundee boss also highlighted Jones’ willingness to embrace the demands placed upon him and his determination to continue developing.
“And he’s really embraced everything that we’ve asked of him. But I think just with time and rhythm, we’re seeing him taking steps forward.”
Jones has had to help fill the gap left by Finnigan, who had impressed during the opening part of the campaign. Pressley acknowledged the challenge of replacing that contribution but believes Jones has responded positively.
“It was a big void to fill, the Finnigan void, because I think that Ryan’s performed so well in the early part of the season. But I think that Calum’s shown a lot of maturity and a good determination around him.”
Pressley believes the performance against Rangers should give Jones further confidence as he continues to establish himself.
“The type of performance he gave against Rangers should give him a lot of confidence.”
With Dundee preparing for another meeting with Rangers, attention will be divided between building match fitness, managing returning players and awaiting news on their injured forwards.
The biggest uncertainty remains Wales’ ankle problem. Until the second specialist’s assessment is available, Dundee will have to wait before making a clearer decision on his recovery and rehabilitation.
Nafisa
