Hearts Defensive Trio Still Sidelined, but Kingsley Makes Progress
Three Hearts defenders remain out injured, though Stephen Kingsley has taken a step toward recovery by beginning light running at the club’s Riccarton training base. The versatile defender underwent hamstring surgery in December but is expected to return before the season ends, as Hearts push for a top-six Premiership finish and Scottish Cup success.
Kingsley sustained his injury against Aberdeen on December 1, with initial concerns that he might miss the rest of the campaign. However, his rehabilitation is progressing well, and the club is optimistic about his return. Meanwhile, fellow defenders Frankie Kent and Craig Halkett are still recovering from quad and hamstring injuries, respectively.
Head coach Neil Critchley provided an update to Edinburgh News, saying: “Stephen Kingsley was back on the pitch the other day for the first time, just doing some gentle running. It’s great to see him out there again. He’s still a few weeks away but is ahead of Frankie in his recovery. Halks isn’t quite back on the pitch yet, but hopefully, he won’t be far behind.”
When asked whether the trio might not return until next season, Critchley was optimistic: “I hope to see all three back. I expect Halkett to be fit, and with Kingsley already running, if everything goes smoothly, he should return before the season ends.”
Elsewhere, Hearts are monitoring midfielder Cammy Devlin after he suffered a head knock in Monday’s Scottish Cup win over St Mirren. Defender Lewis Neilson also picked up a dead leg in that match, with his availability for Sunday’s Premiership clash against Rangers to be determined later this week.
