Dundee United manager Jim Goodwin is waiting to assess his international players after they return from duty around the globe, ahead of Saturday's Premiership clash with Hibs.
Several key players have been away for weeks, with Jesse Randall returning from New Zealand's trips to Japan and China, and Moldova's Iurie Iovu back after Monday's Nations League match against Slovakia. Zidane Iqbal has been with Iraq for Gulf Cup games, while Pan Camara represented Guinea-Bissau.
Medical staff to assess returning players
Goodwin confirmed the club will monitor the players closely. "We will need to look at that. The sports scientist, Ewan Anderson, is in regular contact with the respective FAs. He collects all the data with regards their training and game data. Their training loads don't tend to be that heavy when they are away with the volume of international games," he said.
"We will have a conversation with each player when they come back. We certainly don't want to risk injury. I will leave that up to the medical team and sport science guys to give me a gauge. We then come up with a plan that is beneficial to everybody."
Mixed international results for United stars
It has been a mixed international break for United's players. Iovu featured in all three Moldova games, including the defeat to Slovakia, a draw with the Faroes, and a win over Kazakhstan. Iqbal played against Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Oman, scoring against Kuwait. Randall's New Zealand drew with Palestine and China, beat Panama in the Kirin Cup semi-finals, then lost the final to Japan.
Goodwin praised his players' efforts. "It was great to see Iurie Iovu getting good game time for Moldova in the last couple of games. They are a team on a difficult run, but it is great to see Iurie involved. He hasn't been playing regularly for us in recent weeks, so it will be a boost for him. He has been excellent for Moldova. I have been told he was excellent against the Faroes, so that will be a big positive," he said.
"Zidane scored a really good goal in an important game for Iraq and he also came off the bench in the second game. There are lots of positive things on the go and it is good for me as a manager and Dundee United as a club."
Goodwin back to his best after health scare
Goodwin says he feels back to his best after his recent health scare. He returned to the dugout for the win against St Mirren before the break, took the team to Portugal for a training camp, and is preparing for the Hibs match. He is due to have a routine operation in the coming weeks.
"I am great. I am brilliant. I am making improvements every day and every week. I feel a lot stronger. I feel back to where I was before, if I am being honest," he said. "I am just delighted to be back with the group. I was in for the build-up of the St Mirren in the second half of the week. I was with the team in Portugal for the camp. I am now back on the grass at home. I feel good and strong. I am just delighted to be back."
