Robbie Neilson has provide a Hearts injury update ahead of a return to domestic duties this weekend.
The Tynecastle boss has given the latest on defensive trio Craig Halkett, Kye Rowles and Lewis Neilson who have all been hindered with issues recently. Halkett has missed a strong of matches after being forced off during the Jambos’ European away tie with Zurich. The defender attempted a come back when Hearts faced RFS, but limped off after just 20 minutes. Rowles came off during his side's victory over St Johnstone on August 28.
The blow was somewhat softened when Lewis Neilson stepped in to fill a void in the backline, but the youngster has since added to Neilson 's worries. The stopped was subbed off during his Scotland under-21s debut against Northern Ireland after picking up a knock. But the Hearts boss has now confirmed that he is hopeful Halkett will be available for selection this Saturday as Heart host Rangers.
Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News: “Halkett is pushing this week and we will see where he is for the weekend. If he doesn’t make it this week then he will definitely make the next game. He had the hamstring, then a calf issue, then he came back and tweaked it again.
“We are trying to make sure that, when we get him back, he is back for good. If we are pushing him for these big games then there is going to be a risk. He has been a key player for us over the last couple of years.
“We want him back as soon as possible but there is that balance over how quickly we bring him back. He did individual training on Monday. I expect him back with the squad probably by the end of the week."
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