Two key Hearts first-team players are set to miss the upcoming clash against Rangers at Ibrox.
Second hosts third in Govan on Sunday afternoon, with the Gers looking to get back on track following a slip-up at Ross County and a dire midweek Old Firm showing.
Gio van Bronckhorst won’t have a full squad to choose from, but only Ianis Hagi and Filip Helander are now missing, with Alfredo Morelos back from international duty and Aaron Ramsey set for his first matchday squad inclusion.
It’s opposition manager Robbie Neilson who probably has the more serious injury problems to contend with.
Hearts dealt double injury blow ahead of Rangers clash
That’s because two of his most important players from the first half of the season – Michael Smith and Craig Halkett – are unavailable.
Smith and Halkett have made 24 and 27 appearances respectively this season across all competitions, but both players missed recent fixtures against Motherwell and Hibernian.
And they won’t be involved at Ibrox either, with the former awaiting an injection for a back injury and the latter still struggling with a hamstring problem [Edinburgh Evening News].
Their absence significantly weakens the Hearts defence and there’s still some uncertainty about whether or not John Souttar will feature against the club he will join in the summer.
Souttar missed the Edinburgh Derby in midweek with a knock and didn’t train on Friday, although he was expected to resume training on Saturday and Neilson has suggested it’s likely he’ll be ready in time [Sky Sports].
Rangers will be hoping that the returning Alfredo Morelos will be able to cause major problems for the understrength Jambos defence as a win is required for the hosts, particularly if Celtic triumph at Motherwell earlier in the day.
In case you missed it, here’s our Predicted XI for the match.
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