When Duk will return to the Aberdeen squad as Jimmy Thelin lays out timeline for transfer rebel

Jimmy Thelin has confirmed Duk will have to get another week’s training under his belt before he is ready to return to his Aberdeen squad.

The Cape Verde international has been back training for a couple of weeks after going AWOL in the summer but won’t be involved in tomorrow’s Premier Sports Cup quarter-final with Spartans. Thelin has praised Duk and reckons he is very close to getting the sharpness and levels he needs to get to, with next week’s Premiership game at Dundee a more likely aim.

He said: “He has done enough but he still has another week or so before he is ready to compete with other players in the squad. He is going to be out for this game. He is doing really well. His timing is getting better and better with his teammates and he is adapting really quickly. It is only two weeks but he is adapting well and we can also use his quality when he is more connected with the team.”

Aberdeen are in contract talks with Jamie McGrath and Jack MacKenzie. The influential pair are both out of contract in the summer. The manager confirmed: “The dialogue with the club is good. Steven is making that process. Let’s see what will happen but I can’t speak for the players. There is a process there.”

The Dons are red-hot favourites to make the semi-finals. They have won all 10 games and Thelin will be sending out his strongest team to try and extend that. He won’t be taking Spartans lightly as they showed their strength in the last round, knocking out Ross County.

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