Hearts have suffered a major double injury blow ahead of the closing stages of the Premiership title race, with Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard both ruled out for seven to nine months.
The Tynecastle side were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell at the weekend, while Celtic closed the gap at the top of the table with a convincing 3-1 victory over theRangers.
That combination of results has set up a tense finish to the campaign, with the possibility of the title being decided in a final-day clash between Celtic and Hearts at Celtic Park.
Should both clubs collect maximum points in their midweek fixtures, the title race would effectively become a winner-takes-all encounter in Glasgow on Saturday.
However, Hearts will head into that decisive period without two important first-team players after both suffered Achilles injuries during Saturday’s match.
McInnes confirms Leonard and Halkett out for between seven to nine months
Leonard was spotted leaving the pitch on crutches after being substituted, while Halkett required a stretcher following his injury.
When asked about the injuries this afternoon, McInnes told
🗣️ ‘Both Achilles ruptures, significant injuries, both will be out from seven to nine months.’
❤️ Hearts manager Derek McInnes confirms long-term injury blows for Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard.
🥶 How big a miss will they be for these final two games?
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“Both Marc and Craig got operated in London yesterday morning. Both Achilles ruptures, significant injuries, both will be out from seven to nine months.’
Speaking post-match on Saturday at Fir Park, McInnes highlighted his concern about both players. “Unfortunately tonight, it’s been a sore one for us with Marc Leonard and Craig Halkett’s injuries,” he said via
🗣️ “Terrible decision, he’s had a bad night Steven McLean”
🗣️ “Really bad injuries… achilles both of them”Derek McInnes spoke on Hearts’ penalty claim and gave injury updates after the draw against Motherwell ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/hmawknJSDJ
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“>Sky Sports.
“Really bad injuries, just so unusual.
Providing further details on the extent of the injuries, McInnes added: “Achilles, both of them. “I’ve managed 18 years now and I’ve only had one boy that’s had an Achilles all my time.
“So to get two in the same game is really, really unusual. Both boys are a bit distraught.”
There was some encouragement for Hearts elsewhere, with Harry Milne returning to training and Cammy Devlin expected to be available tomorrow against Falkirk.
Even so, the loss of Halkett and Leonard represents a significant challenge for McInnes as Hearts prepare for what could become a title-deciding finale against Celtic.
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