Beni Baningime has refused to put a target date on his return for Hearts – but insists the finishing line is in sight.
The midfielder has not featured since sustaining an ACL injury against Livingston in March and had initially set himself the optimistic goal of making a comeback after six months. However, the former Everton trainee is hoping to be given the green light to return to running in the near future. Hearts boss Robbie Neilson was hopeful that Banigime would start making his return to action in the New Year and it looks like the Tynecastle boss’ timeline was correct.
The Jambos have been without Baningime, Cammy Devlin and Peter Haring due to injury at various points this season. Orestis Kiomourtzoglou was signed to bolster the numbers in the middle of the park while Connor Smith has been given fleeting cameos. But Bangigime is approaching the stage when he can start at least running.
Baningime said: “I’m feeling good, it’s getting better – slowly. I won’t have to run as much in rehab because I’ve been doing more gym work and getting stronger.”
Liam Boyce suffered a similar injury in August and is facing a nine- month lay-off. Boyce ruptured the ligament in his other knee whilst at Burton Albion and managed to make it back after just five months then, but requires more patience this time around, and has been doing his rehab alongside Baningime.
Baningime added: “We’ve been keeping each other company. We’ve got quite close, he’s a great player and the team misses him. We’ve been pushing each other to get back and help the team.”
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