Motherwell assistant provides Kevin Van Veen and Joe Efford updates after injury trouble against Aberdeen

Motherwell assistant manager Chris Lucketti says the Steelmen hope Kevin Van Veen and Joe Efford will be fit for next week's trip to Rangers after injury problems against Aberdeen.

The Steelmen are still searching for their first Premiership win of 2022 after a 1-1 draw with the Dons, who appointed Jim Goodwin as manager just hours before kick-off at Fir Park.

Vincente Besuijen put the away side ahead but Mark O'Hara's goal after half-time ensured that Motherwell remained undefeated against the Pittodrie side this season.

Van Veen suffered a shoulder problem after going down in a challenge with Dons goalkeeper Joe Lewis while fellow forward Efford was substituted in the second half.

Manager Graham Alexander will hope both are fit for next week's trip to champions Rangers and his assistant is hopeful that will be case, especially after Van Veen's battling display.

Lucketti said: "It was great from Kevin to play the whole game. He was in a lot of pain through the game, at half-time and at full-time.

"He had treatment but he wanted to stay out there and help the team. We need him on the pitch because he's a top quality player. You can see the lift he gives the team and the stadium as a whole.

"So every credit to Kevin for carrying on. It was his shoulder so we will get him an x-ray to make sure he is alright. Hopefully he is alright for next week.

"Joe felt his groin midway through the second half. He is going to be assessed by the physios and hopefully he will be fine for next week."

Lucketti was the man Motherwell players looked to on the side line for support, with Alexander serving the first of a two-game touchline ban for a sending off against Hibs.

The Steelmen are fifth in the league despite having not won a