Ross County striker Alex Samuel has been dealt a fresh injury blow – which could see him ruled out for several months.
Manager Don Cowie confirmed that, following an initial scan, the 29-year-old attacker has a torn thigh muscle, and the Premiership club now await full confirmation, but it doesn’t look good.
Samuel, who spent almost a year on the sidelines with a cruciate ligament injury until January 2023, has started the last two matches for County after 16 appearances from the bench.
He came off midway through the second half of the weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Hibernian, which saw the side slide to 10th spot by the end of the weekend.
Injured taking a shot
At his weekly press conference, to preview Saturday’s St Mirren match in Dingwall, Cowie said: “Unfortunately, Alex has got a tear in his thigh muscle.
“It was an action when he got on the inside-right channel on Saturday. He went to take a shot and went down for a wee bit.
“He came off the park two or three minutes after that.
“He’s had a scan and there is quite a bit of damage on the thigh muscle.
“He will get a second opinion, but going by the initial scan result, he will be out for quite a period of time.
“We’re really disappointed for Alex. He is a fantastic team-mate, who has been really patient and very supportive of the group this season.
“He has not only come off the bench to make an impact, but he has also started the last two games and he was excellent against Hibs on Saturday.
“For him to now not get the opportunity to build on what he’s done over the last two games will be really frustrating for him.
“He has been injured before and out for a long time.
“It is our job as a football club to get around him and make him feel positive.”
Cowie disappointed for top pro
Cowie says Samuel is everything you wouldd want in a player, given his professionalism within the squad.
He said: “Alex is an incredible character.
“He is the epitome of what you look for in a squad player. He’s always encouraging everyone and always positive.
“Everyone is really disappointed for him. Injuries are part of football but it doesn’t make it easier for him.”
The County boss says the injury to his forward opens the possibility of adding a striker to his January wish-list, having already stated a winger is a key area.
He said: “That’s why you always evaluate the squad – it can change quickly.
“You must always have your finger on the pulse and look to strengthen in different areas.
“Alex being out for a long period of time might mean we have to look elsewhere in terms of strengthening the squad.”
Two-week absence for Eli Campbell
Better news for County is that on-loan Everton defender Eli Campbell is not expected to be out for more than a fortnight after also picking up a knock against Hibs.
He added: “Eli Campbell took a bang on his knee on Saturday. The signs are there is a little bit of damage, but it is nothing serious.
“We may lose him for a couple of games.
“It could be two weeks for Eli. When it is a knee injury, you fear the worst. He did fear the worst, but after Monday’s scan, he is positive and happy that it is nothing major.”
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