ABERDEEN boss Jimmy Thelin has begun work with his squad in Portugal.
But one big name is missing from the warm weather training camp ahead of a big season for the Scottish Premiership side and their new manager.
The former IF Elfsborg gaffer has revealed that Duk has not travelled with his teammates due to a “medical issue”.
It comes two weeks after the 24-year-old confessed he wants a move away from the club in the final year of his contract.
He told Portuguese outlet Maisfutbol: “I think this is the right time to embrace a new challenge. I think that, and the people who work with me think the same. It would be a good opportunity to repay all the support they gave me, whether Aberdeen or Benfica, because Benfica still has a percentage of my pass [50%].
“In a year’s time my contract with Aberdeen ends, and in six months I will be able to sign for any club.
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” I think the best way to repay the support they have given me is to be able to make a transfer now, in which we all win. Me, Benfica and Aberdeen.
“There are many things on the table. It’s time to evaluate what’s best for me and the clubs too.”
Explaining his absence, recently-appointed Thelin told the Press and Journal: “Hopefully he will come back sooner rather than later to our camp or back home to Aberdeen.
“Right now he has some medical issues and our medical team are in constant contact with him.
“Hopefully we can find a way and have him healthy and coming back to the team.”
Club chief executive Alan Burrows admits Aberdeen are willing to sell Duk this summer — but only at the right price.
He said: “Aberdeen operates a player trading model and our fans are well versed in that.
“The way it works is you bring players in, play them and then move them on.
“Everyone understands it and we’ve sold a lot of players over the years. Duk will be no different.
“He’s in the final year of his deal. As far as we’re concerned he’s an Aberdeen player and will be here for pre-season.
“We are willing to see the player-trading model through to its conclusion, but it has to be at the right value for the club.”
Burrows added: “I’d normally be hesitant to talk about individual contracts, but this has been discussed so publicly.
“There are considerations in the contract. It’s not that complicated because all deals have it to some extent.
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“As it stands, we’ve not had any offers for Duk in this window and he’s due back here soon.”
Meanwhile, new signing and fellow striker Peter Ambrose has remained in Scotland because of visa reasons after his move from Hungarian side Újpest.
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