Hearts have been hit with two huge injury setbacks ahead of what could be a dramatic final-day title showdown with Celtic.
The Jambos drew 1-1 with Motherwell on Saturday night, while Celtic strengthened their title hopes with a 3-1 victory over Rangers.
The result means the title race is now perfectly poised.
If both sides win their midweek fixtures, Hearts and Celtic will head into the final day at Celtic Park knowing the equation is simple – win the match, win the league.
But Hearts will now have to navigate that run-in without two key players.
Craig Halkett and Marc Leonard are both set to miss the remainder of the season after suffering serious Achilles injuries in the same match on Saturday night.
Leonard was later seen by Sky Sports cameras on crutches after being substituted, while Halkett had to be stretchered off.
Manager Derek McInnes confirmed to Sky the severity of the situation after full-time.
“Unfortunately tonight, it’s been a sore one for us with Marc Leonard and Craig Halkett’s injuries,” he said.
“Really bad injuries, just so unusual.”
When asked for further detail, McInnes added: “Achilles, both of them.
“I’ve managed 18 years now and I’ve only had one boy that’s had an Achilles all my time.
“So to get two in the same game is really, really unusual.
“Both boys are a bit distraught.”
There was at least some positive news for Hearts, with Harry Milne returning to training and Cammy Devlin set to feature from the bench.
But there’s no disguising the scale of the blow.
And with the title potentially coming down to one final showdown at Celtic Park, every absence matters.
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