Hearts have suffered a major setback in the Scottish Premiership title race, with captain Lawrence Shankland expected to be out for six to eight weeks with a hamstring injury.
Shankland has scored a league-leading 11 goals, helping Hearts move six points clear of leaders Celtic and Rangers.
The striker suffered a hamstring strain in Saturday’s Scottish Cup game against Falkirk, and Hearts were already without midfielder Cammy Devlin for a similar period.
Beni Baningim was also suspended for Sunday’s crucial game against Celtic, which will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
Shankland has been in great form this season, scoring 15 goals in all competitions.
However, he could miss up to nine games, including the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on February 10 and the Rangers trip five days later.
Games Shankland may miss:
Celtic (H) – Sunday – Live on Sky Sports Dundee United (A) – January 31 – Live on Sky Sports St Mirren (A) – February 3 – Live on Sky Sports Hibernian (H) – February 10 Rangers (A) – February 15 – Live on Sky Sports Falkirk (H) – February 21 Aberdeen (H) – February 28 Sun Kilmarnock (A) – March 14 Dundee (H) – March 21
Hearts bring forward signing of Mato
Rogers Mato
Sky Sports News understands that an agreement has been reached for forward Rodgers Mato to join Hearts this month rather than in the summer as originally planned.
The Ugandan international was due to join the Tynecastle side in July after his three-year contract with North Macedonian side Vardar expired. However, the club are currently finalizing the paperwork to sign the player later this month.
Following Shankland’s injury, league leaders had to prioritize bringing another forward into the club.
Mato has scored 12 goals in 13 games so far this season, propelling Vardar to the top of the league. He won his first cap in 2022 and made 41 appearances for Uganda, scoring eight goals, including one in this year’s AFCON tournament.
After Hearts announced the pre-contract last week, Mato’s club FK Vardar released a statement saying they had agreed to sell the player to MLS club Sporting Kansas City, but Hearts were not concerned about this.
Hearts manager Derek McInnes said on Saturday night that Shankland’s injury could force the club to return to the transfer window this week.
“There are too many injuries at the club at the moment,” he said. “We will probably have an opportunity to react in this week’s transfer window.
“Losing Cammy Devlin was a blow and Baningim was suspended (against Celtic). Obviously we’re a bit lacking in that respect as well. It’s going to be a challenge but we’ll be ready for them.”
What Shankland’s injury means for Hearts’ title win
Former Hearts midfielder Paul Hartley told Sky Sports News:
“Shankland is a key player for Hearts, right? He’s the main striker, he’s the captain. They’ve also had Cammy Devlin out for a few weeks.”
“Both players have been key players this season and have been very consistent in their play, so injuries could change (people’s perception of who the title contenders are).
“Devlin is a different type of player, a tenacious midfielder. Shankland is a goalscorer.
“I think the fight for the title is attractive. There are three teams competing at the moment, but I definitely think the battle will be fought in the final week of the season.”
“With Hart in the driver’s seat, Rangers are in good form and Celtic are staying there for now, but they need players.
“This is really attractive and has the makings of a great game on Sunday when Hearts host Celtic.”
Hearts go into Sunday’s game after losing to Falkirk in the Scottish Cup, which Hartley says could help the Tynecastle Park club.
He added: “With fewer games now, they can fully focus on fighting for the title. I know the result at the weekend was bad for them, but I think it might help Hearts in the long term.”
“Hearts have always bounced back from bad results and you’ve seen how they’ve done in the league at home this season. They’re unbeaten and will be ready for Sunday’s game.”
