Aberdeen’s title hopes have been hit by a major blow with Liverpool recalling goalkeeper Danny Ward.
The Welsh keeper has been in outstanding form and has played in all 29 of Aberdeen’s competitive matches after making his debut against Skhendija straight after joining up on loan.
Ward could be thrown into Wednesday’s Liverpool v Arsenal clash due to an injury doubt over first choice keeper Simon Mignolet with Jurgen Klopp losing faith in back up keeper Adam Bogdan after his disastrous display at Exeter on Friday night.
Klopp recalled Ward to Anfield for a couple of days training in November but Derek McInnes remained confident that he would hold onto his star man.
“Danny trained with Liverpool for a few days and they are delighted with him being at Aberdeen,” the Pittodrie boss said at the start of December.
“Liverpool have two strong keepers and see the benefit of Danny being here. Nothing has changed from that even though there has been a change of manager.
“We liaise with Liverpool not only at management level but through the goalkeeping coach and their executive staff.
“They all feel Aberdeen is the best place for Danny to be at the minute and we are delighted with that.”
Friday’s draw at Exeter has resulted in a change of mind leaving McInnes to find a new back up keeper or turn to Scott Brown.
30-year-old Brown was the first choice keeper last season but was badly at fault in the League Cup semi-final defeat by Dundee United and in the 4-0 loss to Celtic in March.