Hearts hit by injury crisis ahead of Trabzonspor clash

Hearts are now facing an injury problem after losing 2-0 away to Trabzonspor in the UEFA Conference League.

Defender Harry Milne suffered a serious knee injury in the final training session the day before the match. Reports suggest Milne is very unlikely to return to action for the rest of the season.

Christian Borchgrevink also went off during the match with a back muscle injury. The club's number of injured players has risen to 8. Four of these players are reported to be out for several months.

Because of the gaps in the squad, head coach Wouter Vrancken has had to use some players in positions they are not used to. Captain Jamie McCart said they do not see the situation as an excuse. McCart stressed that no excuses can be made in crucial matches.

McCart said that the crowded fixture schedule has made it almost impossible to rest players, and added that Harry Milne's injury was caused by a simple but sudden movement. Hearts have won only 1 of their last 6 competitive matches. After the Trabzonspor defeat, the team will look for a win away to Motherwell in the league.