Aberdeen handed huge Kristers Tobers boost as Jimmy Thelin looks to end losing run
Kristers Tobers will be available for selection against Hearts on Sunday as Aberdeen receive a timely boost amid their defensive crisis.
Jimmy Thelin's men faced the possibility of going into battle against the Jambos with only one centre-back available after Slobodan Rubezic's red card against Motherwell.
He remains suspended following his dismissal, with Gavin Molloy and Jack Milne both sidelined by injuries, leaving Angus MacDonald as the only centre-back available.
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Thelin was ended up resorting to putting midfield pair Dante Polvara and Sivert Nilsen at centre-half last time out during the defeat at Fir Park.
However, the arrival of £700,000 Tobers has given the Dons a much-needed boost, as the 37-time capped Latvia captain becomes available for selection.
Aberdeen confirmed on Thursday the 24-year-old had received his work permit in time for the visit of Hearts, who have failed to win at Pittodrie since May 2016.
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It's a fixture where both sides have struggled away from home, and Aberdeen will be eager to make sure they are on the right side of the result this weekend.
The Dons have lost their last five league outings and are currently on a 10-game winless run, falling from second in the table hot on Celtic's heels to fourth behind Rangers and Dundee United.
Speaking after completing his move to Pittodrie, Tobers said: "I’m really happy to be here. It’s been great to be at the training ground to meet all the players and I am looking forward to this new challenge.
"From listening to the manager and the coaching staff it felt like this was the right place to be. I felt in my heart this was the right decision for me.
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"I believe this opportunity will help me to grow, it will help develop me physically, technically and mentally. It’s not easy to move out of your comfort zone.
"Aberdeen is such a big club in Scotland, even the response to the rumours in recent weeks have been so positive. It is clear they love football but it’s a big responsibility to show them we can win and make them happy and I just want to help the players here try to do that."
