MOTHERWELL are facing an injury crisis following a bruising weekend for the high-flying Steelmen.

Mark McGhee’s team defeated Dundee United 2-1 at Fir Park on Friday night to take them rocketing into the top six on the back of four victories in their last five games.

However, it was a result not without its sacrifices.

In the midst of battle, Motherwell lost Stephen Pearson, captain Keith Lasley and full-back Josh Law to injury.

This comes a week after defender Louis Laing was also ruled out with a thigh problem.

McGhee would have been anxious to get all his key men back for next weekend with title-chasing Aberdeen coming to Lanarkshire.

But it emerged yesterday that he is unlikely to get his wish.

Pearson has been diagnosed with having suffered a punctured lung as well as multiple broken ribs.

The former Scotland internationalist didn’t even make it to half-time on Friday night, and will now be out for six weeks.

Speaking from hospital yesterday, the 33-year-old said: “I’m gutted to miss our upcoming games, but there’s very little I can do for this other than rest up.

“I’ll hopefully be back as soon as possible to help the lads as we look to finish the season strong.”

On top of Pearson, it is unlikely Motherwell will be able to go up against Aberdeen with skipper Lasley.

The veteran central midfielder came off badly in a crunching, heavy tackle from United’s Coll Donaldson and visibly looked in pain as he hobbled off aided on Friday.

It means the Steelmen may have to draft in Hearts loanee Morgaro Gomis, who produced an impressive display when he replaced Lasley at the weekend, while Motherwell icon James McFadden could also be recalled to the fold.

A Fir Park statement read: “Motherwell have suffered an injury blow with the news Stephen Pearson has been ruled out for six weeks.

“The former Scotland International, who has been excellent for the Steelmen this campaign, had to be substituted after 34 minutes in Friday’s bruising encounter with Dundee United, a game that also saw skipper Keith Lasley and Josh Law withdrawn due to injury.

“The midfielder, who is still in a Glasgow hospital, was later given the news he had several broken ribs and a punctured lung, which will rule him out until the end of next month.”

The injuries did take a shine off the win on Friday night for Motherwell, but the club’s suffering supporters were still able to breathe a bit easier as a result of the three points it offered up.

Following the weekend’s fixture card, their side sit in sixth place just one point off third and a whopping 10 ahead of second-bottom Kilmarnock.

They are also 18 clear of Dundee United at the foot of the Premiership.

Speaking on Friday night after the match, McGhee said about the injuries: “The victory has been fantastic but it has come at a cost.”