Craig Levein has provided an injury update ahead of his Hearts side’s clash against Rangers on Sunday afternoon, as quoted by the Daily Record.
The Jambos are currently sitting ninth in the table on six points, having won just one game so far this season.
Their form has been poor, but injuries haven’t helped, with multiple key players on the sidelines across the first eight matches.
For this clash, it seems as though two big contributors will return to the squad, but an ex-Ger will miss out.
Former Rangers attacker Naismith ruled out of weekend fixture
“Uche [Ikpeazu] trained fully two days ago, did a bit yesterday and he will train today,” said Levein, as quoted by the Daily Record. “If Peter [Haring] gets through today’s training session then it’s likely he’ll be involved as well.”
“Naisy [Steven Naismith] is improving all the time, but I’m just trying to make sure we don’t get another scenario where he comes into a game, then gets fatigued and ends up getting another injury.
“With the return of some of our better players to training, I see a chance for us to have better competition for places, particularly for starting places, and that’s something we need.”
Verdict
Hearts have been toothless at times this season, averaging only marginally better than a goal a game.
Therefore, it’ll be of great encouragement to have Ikpeazu and Haring involved.
Ikpeazu isn’t the most talented striker of all time, but he’s powerful and will give the Gers defence a hard time. Haring, meanwhile, also offers a physical presence in midfield.
It’s undoubtedly good news for Rangers, though, that Steven Naismith won’t feature. He’s decidedly unpopular with some Bears due to the manner of his departure from the club in 2012, but when fit, he’s Hearts’ best player.
Despite experiencing injury problems last season as well, he still notched an impressive 15 goals in all competitions [Soccerbase], and Goldson and co. will be happy not to have to deal with his threat in Edinburgh.
Meanwhile, with Ryan Jack ruled out for Rangers, could a rarely-seen summer signing make an appearance?
