Tynecastle defender Jamie McCart is pushing to regain fitness ahead of Hearts’ Scottish Premiership clash with Celtic in Glasgow on Saturday.
McCart’s availability will depend on his progress over the next 48 hours as he participates in full training sessions at Riccarton today and tomorrow. After missing the last two games due to a leg injury, he is eager to return, but Hearts’ coaching staff are closely monitoring his condition. If he completes training without any setbacks, he could be included in the squad for Celtic Park, although the club is unwilling to take unnecessary risks that could delay his recovery.
Head coach Neil Critchley relied on Michael Steinwender and Lewis Neilson in central defence against Ross County and Dundee before the international break. McCart has gradually increased his training workload over the past two weeks and is hopeful of returning this weekend, though his chances remain no better than 50/50.
Critchley also welcomed key defenders Frankie Kent, Craig Halkett, and Stephen Kingsley back into partial training this week. All three are making progress and nearing a return to competitive action after lengthy injury layoffs. Kent sustained a quad injury in December, just days after Kingsley tore a hamstring, while Halkett has been sidelined with a hamstring issue since late January. However, Saturday’s match is likely to come too soon for them.
Speaking to the Edinburgh News, Critchley said, “All three have been back out on the grass doing part of training this week. We hope they can do more before the weekend, but we’ll need to discuss with them and the performance team whether they’ve done enough to be considered for Celtic Park.”
He highlighted the positive impact of their presence in training, adding, “Their experience, communication, and leadership are evident. You notice what’s been missing when they’re back in the sessions. They’ve been pushing each other and are all eager to be the first to return, which is a great sign.”
Midfielder Aidan Denholm is also making progress after tearing a hamstring while on loan at Ross County late last year. “He’s back on the pitch now, but it’s just the first stage of running. He’s still a few weeks away, but there have been no setbacks and he’s on schedule,” Critchley added.
