Craig Gordon has been confirmed as being sidelined for the rest of the season, after suffering a devastating double leg break.
The Heart of Midlothian captain was rushed to hospital on Christmas Eve, after a nasty collision saw him stretchered off the pitch during the clash with Dundee United.
Urgently assessed by medics, the goalie was found to have broken both his fibula and tibia, with the player just days away from celebrating his 40th birthday on December 31.
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Remaining in hospital over Christmas, the dad-of-four will be discharged in due course, but will miss the remainder of the season.
Speaking to the Official Hearts Website , manager Robbie Neilson said: “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.
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“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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