St Johnstone manager Tommy Wright was left to ponder yet another injury to one of his key players.
31-year old midfielder Gary McDonald sustained a knee problem during the warm-up for the Saints' clash with St Mirren last Tuesday and will now require surgery, forcing him out for the remainder of the season.
"Our season has already been marred by freakish, 'non-contact', serious injuries," said Wright on the club's official website.
"On a disappointing note, it looks like Gary may need a similar operation to Steven MacLean (who missed four months earlier in the campaign).
"That will make seven serious injuries to key players throughout the season, but I also feel that it highlights the strength of the squad and the level of achievement gaining top six has been."
McDonald, who joined St Johnstone from Morecambe, has made 27 league appearances since arriving at McDiarmid Park in June 2013. He signed a contract in January this year which will keep him in Perth until at least 2015.
