Craig Gordon will be out of action for the rest of the season after Hearts revealed he has suffered a double leg break.
The goalkeeper was stretchered off in distress after a collision with Dundee United's Steven Fletcher during Saturday's 2-2 draw between them and the Jambos. Tynecastle manager Robbie Neilson confirmed after the game it didn't look good for the goalkeeper, with fears he would be out of action for the rest of the season immediately arising. Zander Clark came on his place and is likely to be the replacement for the rest of the season.
It was suspected that he had suffered a leg break and the capital-based Premiership club have confirmed that to be the case. They said in a statement: "Heart of Midlothian can confirm that Craig Gordon will miss the rest of the season after suffering a double leg break.
"The club captain was injured during the Jambos’ 2-2 draw with Dundee United on Christmas Eve, showing typical bravery to get to a long ball first ahead of Steven Fletcher and stop a certain goalscoring opportunity. The accidental collision between the two players resulted in Craig being stretched off with a fibula and tibia break. He has since had surgery and will be discharged from hospital in due course."
Neilson added: "Our thoughts first and foremost are with Craig and his young family. It’s been an incredibly distressing time for them, especially at Christmas, and everyone at the club is here to offer them our full support. It is obviously massive blow to lose a player as influential as Craig for the rest of the season but to be honest, all anyone is thinking of right now is about his wellbeing.
“I’ve known Craig for a long, long time and he’s a warrior. He’s faced injury adversity before and come back stronger, so I’ve no doubt that he’ll approach this in the same manner. For now, it’s about rest and recuperation. There is no pressure on him as he’ll get the best medical care and rehabilitation facilities possible at Hearts. I’d also like to thank our medical team and the NHS Scotland staff at Ninewells for giving Craig the best possible care in what was a challenging situation.”
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