PETER LEVEN will miss Aberdeen’s Premiership clash with St Johnstone later today after being rushed to hospital.
The Pittodrie stand-in gaffer had to have an emergency operation on Friday night.
Leven, who is taking the reins until new boss Jimmy Thelin arrives next month, will remain under medical supervision this afternoon.
So coaches Scott Anderson, Craig Samson and Stuart Duff will take the side along with player-coach Jonny Hayes.
But they say the operation was a success and expect the interim boss to make a full recovery.
Leigh Griffiths in court accused of kicking smoke bomb into crowd
The Dons said in a statement: "Interim head coach Peter Leven was last night admitted to hospital where he underwent an emergency procedure.
"The operation was a success, and we expect Peter to make a full and swift recovery.
"Scott Anderson, alongside Craig Samson, Jonny Hayes and Stuart Duff, will lead the team for the match this afternoon against St Johnstone.
"Peter, who prepared training all week, will be in contact with his staff throughout the afternoon.
"Everyone at AFC sends their best wishes to Peter and we look forward to seeing him back at the training ground next week."
The health shock came with Leven's exploits as Aberdeen interim boss reportedly bringing him to the attention of an ambitious League One side.
Promotion hopefuls Barnsley dispensed with the services of their Scottish boss Neill Collins last month and Leven was linked as a potential replacement.
The former Kilmarnock, MK Dons and Chesterfield midfielder has earned plaudits for the manner his side has played TWICE against Celtic.
The highly-rated Leven has also been assistant manager at Kilmarnock, Dynamo Brest and Orenburg.
The plan was for him to revert to first team coach for incoming Aberdeen boss Thelin - alongside his Elfsborg assistants Christer Persson and Emir Bajrami.
Sky Sports presenter stuns in bikini on holiday as she's compared to Bond girl
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page