Aberdeen manager Derek McInnes had no fresh injury concerns as he pondered his team selection during the six hour flight to the former Kazakh capital to take on Kairat Almaty in the Europa League. McInnes is expecting another tough test as his side prepare for their fifth game in European competition this month.
He said: "We've got one or two knocks over the last few days, but none that we think will keep them out of the game. It is a busy time for everyone at the club, but exciting nonetheless. It is a long journey, which complicates things slightly, but it doesn't take away from the fact that we're excited about the tie. I think this will be a tough tie. There's no question about that. I think Almaty are a bit more robust and more into their season than Rijeka were. They certainly have talent at the top end of the pitch and a capability of scoring goals. They look well up and running into their season. They look like a team that has that advantage over others who are starting their campaigns."
Kairat's top goalscorer Gerard Gohou and Spanish forward Sito Riera are expected to overcome knocks for the hosts - who beat Red Star Belgrade and St Johnstone's conquerors Alashkert to reach this stage and currently lead their domestic league on goal difference.