Scottish Premiership Team Updates for Thursday

Get the latest updates on team news ahead of Thursday’s Scottish Premiership matches.

Kick-off 15:00 GMT, unless otherwise noted

Hearts are optimistic about welcoming back midfielder Beni Baningime, who has been battling persistent knee issues. However, the club will still be without Frankie Kent, Stephen Kingsley, Calem Nieuwenhof, and Gerald Taylor, each sidelined due to various injuries.

On the visitors’ front, Hibernian’s midfield anchor Joe Newell and defender Warren O’Hora are nursing knocks but are pushing for fitness ahead of the clash. Fans will be keeping a close eye on the potential return of forwards Mykola Kuharevich and Rudi Molotnikov from groin injuries, although Kieron Bowie and Marvin Ekpiteta will miss out.

Celtic faces a fitness test with Nicolas Kuhn, who is grappling with a knee issue. Meanwhile, team stalwarts Cameron Carter-Vickers and Auston Trusty are slowly recuperating from illness, while defender Alistair Johnston is also nursing a hip injury. The absence of James Forrest, who is out until January with a troubling foot injury, will be felt.

For Motherwell, defender Dan Casey is back after a successful appeal against his red card from the previous draw against Kilmarnock. Winger Sam Nicholson’s return is a boost after a brief illness, yet the squad remains compromised by the absences of Ross Callachan, Paul McGinn, Zach Robinson, Steve Seddon, Callum Slattery, and Jack Vale.

Dundee welcomes back the promising forward Oluwaseun Adewumi to their squad, bolstering their attacking options. However, they will still have to contend with the absence of Scott Fraser, Ziyad Larkeche, Clark Robertson, and Joe Shaughnessy due to various complications.

On the other hand, Ross County’s hopes hinge on defender Ricki Lamie’s return to training, potentially strengthening their backline. Unfortunately, fans will have to wait a bit longer for Eli Campbell, Will Nightingale, and Alex Samuel, who remain unavailable.

Kilmarnock finds themselves without the services of suspended Robbie Deas, a significant miss for their defensive setup. Meanwhile, Liam Donnelly and Matty Kennedy are both doubts, although the return of goalkeeper Robby McCrorie could provide a much-needed lift. Stuart Findlay’s long-term absence continues to pose challenges for the squad.

On the Aberdeen side, goalkeeper Dimitar Mitov is back in training and pushing for a return following a hamstring setback. However, the team will still have to manage without Vicente Besuijen, Pape Habib Gueye, and Jack Milne.

St Johnstone is set to welcome back key players Kyle Cameron, Nicky Clark, and Lewis Neilson into their ranks. On the contrary, they will miss the talents of Barry Douglas, Uche Ikpeazu, Cammy MacPherson, and Sam McClelland, who are all absent due to injuries.

Dundee United, meanwhile, continues to contend with a forward crisis, as Louis Moult and Craig Sibbald remain sidelined.

St Mirren faces a tactical reshuffle as left-back Scott Tanser sits out due to suspension. However, forward Toyosi Olusanya will make his return from a ban, injecting fresh energy into the frontline. The fitness of Conor McMenamin is uncertain, while captain Mark O’Hara is nursing a thigh injury and remains on the sidelines.

For the visitors, Rangers, the absence of defenders Neraysho Kasanwirjo and John Souttar continues to plague the defensive line. Meanwhile, midfielder Tom Lawrence is steadily working his way back to full fitness. In a heartwarming side note, goalkeeper Jack Butland missed Saturday’s victory over Dundee to be present for the birth of his daughter.