When your luck is out, it's out and that's certainly been the case for Hearts when it comes to injuries this season.
Robbie Neilson is currently without ten first team regulars after losing another two during Sunday's 2-0 loss away to Aberdeen. Andy Halliday was an early casualty at Pittodrie and Peter Haring a late one as the injury crisis at Tynecastle deepened amidst a poor run of form that has seen the capital side go five matches without a win in recent weeks.
The games aren't getting any easier either, with champions Celtic in town for the Premiership Saturday lunchtime kick-off this weekend. Then it's back to European action at home to Latvian outfit RFS. Robbie Neilson's team still have an outside chance of qualifying from Europa Conference League Group A, but must win against Rigas and hope Istanbul Basaksehir take care of Fiorentina. They then head to Turkey looking for all three points in their final encounter whilst hoping La Viola slip up against RFS.
It's a big enough ask without having almost an entire team in the treatment room. One or two could be back in time for next week, but Neilson is reluctant to rush anyone back in case they end up missing for even longer, especially with World Cup places at stake for some. Record Sport looks at the staggering Hearts injury list and when they are likely to be back in action .
Craig Halkett
The defender has arguably been the biggest miss for the jambos over the last few weeks. He’s already seen one comeback aborted, which has prolonged his absence from the back line in front of Craig Gordon.
Halkett was forced off after just eight minutes during the Jambos 2-1 defeat against FC Zurich in the first leg of the Europa League playoff round. He was back in action against RFS in the Europa Conference League, but didn’t last much longer after suffering a recurrence of the hamstring injury.
Robbie Neilson confirmed that he isn't far away from returning, but is one or two weeks away from being fit enough to be involved in any capacity.
Kye Rowles
Suffered a broken foot in the act of scoring his first Hearts goal in a 3-2 Premiership win over St Johnstone in August. That came as a big blow in addition to Halkett’s injury after an impressive start to life in maroon.
A timeframe of eight weeks was given for the World Cup hopeful’s return after an operation. Neilson said the centre back wasn’t too far away but also won’t be rushed back, although is expected to play "three or four games" before the Socceroos head to Qatar.
Michael Smith
Suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-0 home Conference League defeat to Fiorentina and had to be replaced by Nathaniel Atkinson. Wasn't risked against Kilmarnock and didn't feature in the even heavier 5-1 defeat in Florence.
Neilson had hoped the Northern Irishman would have been back training in tme to make the squad for Pittodrie. But that game came too soon for Smith as well, although is expected to be back in contention to face Celtic next Saturday.
Nathaniel Atkinson
Got his chance thanks to Smith’s injury. Couldn’t do much to stop La Viola winning in Gorgie, but scored a brilliant last-gasp equaliser away at Kilmarnock, sending a thumping left-foot volley into the corner with almost the last kick of the game.
Started in Florence but rolled his ankle in the first half. Fiorentina scored their opening goal while the Aussie was off getting treatment. He tried to continue but had to come off before the break and left the Stadio Artemio Franchi on crutches as a precaution. Was due to be assessed over the weekend before any diagnosis was made on the injury.
Andy Halliday
Recovered from a hamstring problem in time to play against Kilmarnock and in Italy. However, lasted less than 10 minutes of the 2-0 defeat to Aberdeen.
Halliday went up for a header with the Dons’ Jayden Richardson and appeared to injure his Achilles as he landed. Refused the stretcher but was struggling to walk as he made his way around the pitch to go up the tunnel. Another who will have to be assessed before Hearts know how long he’ll be out for.
Peter Haring
Was a late sub with Hearts trailing at Pittodrie. Seemed to be caught on the back of the head by Marley Watkins’ elbow when going up for a header.
Both sets of players immediately signalled for the medics to come on with the Austrian lying prone on the turf. Tried to walk off but was clearly unsteady on his feet and didn't appear to be all that aware of his surroundings and eventually went off on a stretcher. Will now go through the required concussion protocols to determine whether he can be involved next weekend.
Beni Baningime
A standout in the middle of the park last season, the former Everton man’s campaign was ended in March. After scoring his second goal of the season in a 2-0 win over Livingston, Baningime ruptured his cruciate ligament and underwent surgery.
Joined the squad for their pre-season training camp in Spain. However, isn’t expected to be close to a return until January at the earliest.
Gary Mackay-Steven
The winger hasn't been in and out of the team this season. But his game time has been further reduced after suffering a knock that ruled him out of Hearts’ last three games. The injury isn't thought to be serious however and could be back to face former club Celtic.
Josh Ginnelly
Along with Smith, it was hoped the ex-Preston North End wide man would be back training ahead of the Aberdeen game.
But a slight delay meant the Jambos were without his pace for the trip to Pittodrie. However, should be back involved early next week and could be in the squad to face Ange Postecoglou’s men.
Liam Boyce
Like Rowles, scored before getting injured in that win against St Johnstone. The Northern Irishman netted his first of the season after a tricky start to the campaign.
But he suffered the second serious knee injury of his career later on. It was later confirmed that Boyce would be out for some time and would have to go under the knife once again.
Injured his other knee whilst at Burton Albion before signing for Hearts. Managed to make it back after less than six months from that. While hopeful that he can do the same again, it’s likely to be well into 2023 before Boyce is ready to play again.
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