Craig Gordon has been ruled out for the season after suffering a double leg break, Hearts have confirmed.
The goalkeeper was stretchered off after a horror collision left him with a fibula and tibia break.
Gordon raced out of goal to get to a long ball before an accidental collision with Dundee United striker Steven Fletcher.
The coming together left Gordon in agony and needing urgent attention as he was rushed to Ninewells hospital.
Hearts confirmed Gordon will miss the rest of the season as they updated supporters that he has come through surgery and will be discharged from hospital in due course.
While Robbie Neilson was gutted to lose Gordon's ability and leadership in his Hearts side both on Christmas Eve and for the rest of the season, he insists all focus at the club is on the player's wellbeing.
He vowed to support Gordon and stated there is no pressure on the keeper as he undergoes rehab at the "best medical care and rehabilitation facilities possible at Hearts".
Neilson told the club website: “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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