Source: Team_Talk
Gers boosted by Mendes verdict
The midfielder suffered a knock to his thigh during Saturday's Scottish Cup win over St Mirren in a 50-50 challenge with Will Haining.[LNB]He was carried off the pitch on a stretcher and later left Hampden on crutches, with a huge question mark hanging over his involvement for the remainder of the season.[LNB]However, hospital tests have confirmed no ligament damage and, despite heavy bruising, he is expected to return to training at the end of the week.[LNB]Whether he will be risked in Sunday's Scottish League visit of Hearts remains to be seen but the influential playmaker should be fit for the Old Firm derby the following week.[LNB]Manager Walter Smith told the club's website: "It was a nasty knock Pedro took and a fairly painful one but it has had a bit of time to calm down now.[LNB]"There's no ligament damage there and we're hopeful it will settle down further over the next few days.[LNB]"There is still a possibility he will be fit for this week's game against Hearts and that's a big relief for us.[LNB]"At this stage of the season, we need everybody to be fit and especially in midfield because we've been without Kevin Thomson for a lot of the season.[LNB]"When you're a man down in one area, you don't want to lose anyone else through injury or suspensions.[LNB]"The news on Pedro is good for us and if the majority of our players can remain fit and we get others back, it will be a big help in our last half dozen games."[LNB]Lee McCulloch, Sasa Papac and DaMarcus Beasley could also be fit for the clash at the weekend, while Kirk Broadfoot and Kyle Lafferty are closing in on comebacks, with the Northern Ireland striker possibly having a part to play against Celtic.[LNB][LNB][LNB]
