Hearts’ record signing Eduardo Ageu is ruled out of the Rangers match due to a hamstring injury and is doubtful for the Edinburgh derby. Defender Frankie Kent is also sidelined. Coach Derek McInnes expresses disappointment but remains optimistic about Ageu’s future impact. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon and defender Jamie McCart are recovering from injuries, offering a potential boost.
Heart of Midlothian face a challenging week ahead as their record signing, Eduardo Ageu, is set to miss the crucial trip to Ibrox to face Rangers. The Brazilian midfielder's absence will be keenly felt, and to add to the woes, he is also a major doubt for the highly anticipated Edinburgh derby against Hibernian at Tynecastle on October 4th. This news comes as a significant setback for the Jambos, who were hoping Ageu could make an immediate impact following his arrival.
The 23-year-old Ageu has picked up a hamstring problem. Defender Frankie Kent is also sidelined for the Rangers match. Kent, 29, has a twisted knee and is awaiting a scan to determine the extent of the injury.
Ageu made his debut as a second-half substitute in the recent match against Livingston, following a high-profile transfer from Portuguese club Santa Clara late last month. The midfielder's arrival was met with considerable excitement among Hearts supporters, who viewed him as a player capable of adding dynamism and creativity to the team's midfield.
Head coach Derek McInnes expressed his disappointment at the news, stating, "He won't be part of anything for the next couple of games. The only benefit for him and Frankie is that the games are a bit spread out for the next period."
McInnes further elaborated on Ageu's potential impact, adding, "Disappointed for both lads. Ageu, we feel, brings something a bit different. He will still have time to influence the team but it won't be immediate." The manager's words highlight the importance he places on Ageu's role in the team's future plans, emphasizing the need for patience as the player recovers from his injury.
The absence of both Ageu and Kent presents McInnes with a selection headache as he prepares his team for the Rangers match. The manager will need to reshuffle his squad and find suitable replacements to fill the void left by the injured duo. The upcoming match against Falkirk on September 27th will also be a part of the consideration, as McInnes manages his squad to cope with the injury situation.
There is some positive news for Hearts, with goalkeeper Craig Gordon, 42, and defender Jamie McCart, 28, making progress in their recovery from injuries. Both players have recently been involved in a bounce game, indicating that they are nearing a return to full fitness. Their return would provide a timely boost to the squad.
McInnes offered further insight into Ageu's expected return, stating, "At this stage, we probably wouldn't rule him out of the Hibs game, but we rule him out for Rangers and Falkirk." This statement suggests that Hearts are hopeful Ageu will be available for the Edinburgh derby, but his participation will depend on his recovery progress in the coming weeks.
The Edinburgh derby against Hibernian is always a fiercely contested affair, and Hearts will be eager to have Ageu available for such a crucial match. However, the club will prioritize the player's long-term fitness and ensure that he is fully recovered before rushing him back into action.
The Hearts manager has a tough task to keep the squad motivated and focused in the absence of Ageu and Kent, ensuring the team remains competitive in the upcoming fixtures. The next few weeks will be a test of the team's depth and resilience, as they aim to overcome the injury setbacks and maintain their push for a strong position in the Scottish Premiership.
Hearts supporters will be eagerly awaiting updates on Ageu's recovery progress, hoping that he will be back on the pitch sooner rather than later. In the meantime, the team will need to rally together and demonstrate their collective strength in the absence of their record signing.
