Robbie Neilson has vowed everyone at Hearts will rally round Beni Baningime after the midfielder was dealt the devastating news his campaign is over due to a serious knee injury.
Scans have revealed the 23-year-old damaged his cruciate knee ligament in the recent 2-0 victory over Livingston and now faces surgery and a significant spell on the sidelines.
Neilson is refusing to put a timeframe on the former Everton youngster’s recovery but, with cruciate injuries expected to take up to nine months to heal, it is likely to be well into next season before he is back in action.
It is a major blow to Hearts and the player, who has been crucial to the team’s success this season.
With third place in the Premiership all but sewn up, Baningime would have been expected to play a key role in trying to ease the Jambos past Edinburgh Derby rivals Hibernian next month and into the Scottish Cup final.
Neilson has confessed the Congolese pivot now has a ‘journey’ ahead to ensure he returns to full fitness.
He said: “First and foremost, we’re all gutted for Beni. He came here to play football and, as everyone knows, he had been doing extremely well for us.
“So, to now face a long period out is a hard one for him to take.
“He’s now got a bit of a journey to get back playing but we’re all absolutely behind him.
“Our medical team at the club is first class and he’ll get the best support from them, from his team-mates and the coaching staff.
“We’re not going to put a timeframe on him returning because there is no pressure. We want him to come back in the best possible shape, as will the fans, and that will take as long as it takes.”
Meanwhile, Hearts will on Wednesday begin selling tickets for their eagerly-awaited Scottish Cup semi-final against Hibs.
The Edinburgh rivals square up on April 16 at Hampden, where Hearts have never lost to their city neighbours.
Season-ticket holders and those with more than 120 loyalty points will get the first chance to snap up briefs for the clash, with supporters with more than 40 loyalty points having to wait until April 6.
A general sale of remaining seats will kick off on April 9.
Hearts are looking to reach their third Scottish Cup final in four years after defeats to Celtic in 2019 and 2020.
