Hearts Suffer Major Double Injury Blow

Hearts have taken a hit at the worst point of the season, and from a Celtic point of view, it feels like the door has opened just a bit wider.

Derek McInnes has confirmed that Oisin McEntee and Tomas Magnusson will miss the rest of the campaign. Both have been starters, both part of a side that has kept Hearts in front going into the final stretch.

The timing could not be worse for them. An away derby at Easter Road is up next, then Rangers, and then that final trip to Celtic Park. Those are games where small weaknesses get exposed.

McEntee’s absence matters straight away. He has been a steady option at right-back, someone who handles wide threats and keeps shape when teams press. Without him, there is a break in that back four. Magnusson missing reduces the legs in midfield, especially late in games when control starts to slip.

McInnes has confirmed the situation.

He said: (RecordSport), “McEntee’s gubbed. He’s out for the season.

“We always hoped it wouldn’t be as bad as it is because of how he was feeling. But unfortunately for us he does need an operation but it will keep him out for the rest of the season.

“Losing him and Tomas is a blow in the sense that they’re two powerful players, two brilliant competitors and two boys that have done really well in their first season was.

“But as harsh as it sounds I can’t dwell on that, I’ve got to just deal with the players that are available to me and it’s tough for Oisin and Tomas but you know they’ve played their part to get us to this stage, it’s up to us now to try and finish it off for them.”

From a Celtic point of views, this is the kind of swing that can decide a title. Celtic have dealt with injuries all season. Key players have missed large spells, the team has had to adjust, and results have not always come easily because of it.

Now it is Hearts dealing with that same problem, right when the pressure is at its highest. A patched-up defence going into a derby is risky. Doing it again against Rangers is even tougher. 

McInnes has also confirmed Harry Milne is a doubt for the Hibs game at Easter Road on Sunday.

If Hearts drop points in either of those games, the gap changes quickly. Celtic then go into the final day knowing exactly what is needed.

That last match at Celtic Park was already shaping up to be decisive. With Hearts missing key players, it starts to lean a different way.