Hearts lose Oisin McEntee for the run-in after scans confirm a torn thigh, while Harry Milne works to reach derby fitness
The Premiership run-in has just become more complicated for Hearts. A medical examination during the club’s training spell in Spain confirmed that defender Oisin McEntee has suffered a torn thigh muscle, ruling him out for the remainder of the campaign and eliminating any chance of him featuring in the upcoming Easter Road derby against Hibs.
The diagnostic process was delayed because the report arrived in Spanish and required accurate translation, which postponed the final decision on his availability.
Head coach Derek McInnes said the injury does not require surgery but will keep McEntee sidelined for the final five league games.
The club is having to adapt quickly to the enforced absence of a player who had been a regular contributor this season. At the same time, Hearts are monitoring several other fitness issues among first-team personnel as they prepare for a congested and crucial period of fixtures.
Immediate impact and squad adjustments
With McEntee unavailable, the coaching staff must reconfigure a defence that has relied on his presence. McInnes stressed the emotional and practical blow of losing two combative midfielders and defenders in this phase of the season — Tomas Magnusson and Brazilian full-back Eduardo Ageu are also sidelined until next term with thigh problems. Despite the setback, McInnes emphasised a pragmatic approach: he will focus on players who are fit and ready rather than dwell on absentees, aiming to finish the season strongly for the injured squad members as well as for the club.
Who steps in?
If Harry Milne is not declared fit, McInnes indicated that Stephen Kingsley would continue on the left side of defence. Milne has been working on recovery after a calf complaint that has kept him out since 14 March, and although he trained at Riccarton and spent time in Spain, his selection for the derby is still described as touch-and-go. A late call on his involvement is expected, with the manager acknowledging Milne has a realistic chance of being ready for the following fixture against Rangers unless circumstances change rapidly.
Goalkeeper and other fitness updates
Between the posts, veteran goalkeeper Craig Gordon is gradually increasing his work. McInnes revealed Gordon has returned to handling sessions and is stepping up training, although he has not yet rejoined full training routines. Meanwhile, Norwegian defender Christian Borchgrevink has felt his hamstring tighten again and missed a session while the medical team assess the problem. Long-term absentees such as Eduardo Ageu and Calem Nieuwenhof remain out as Hearts juggle their resources for the decisive weeks ahead.
Medical clarity and translation delay
The club’s decision-making was slowed when the scan results for McEntee arrived in Spanish while the squad was training at La Manga. Staff arranged translations to ensure the medical verdict was properly interpreted; once translated, the conclusion was clear — a substantial tear that rules the defender out for the rest of the season. McInnes confirmed the verdict and clarified that although the problem is serious, it is being managed conservatively without immediate surgery, allowing the player to begin a rehabilitation path tailored to recovery.
Preparation, rotation and outlook
During the Spain camp the manager has also used the opportunity to give minutes and work to players who have had limited game time this season — names such as Lawrence Shankland, Cammy Devlin, Beni Baningime, Stephen Kingsley and Stuart Findlay were highlighted as benefiting from extra training and match practice. McInnes said the week away offered a chance to top up conditioning and sharpen tactical plans, while deliberately avoiding over-hyping the derby ahead of a full week of preparation back in Edinburgh.
Looking ahead, McInnes acknowledged the fixture against Hibs will be intense — exactly as a city derby should be — but urged his squad to produce the consistent performances that have defined much of their season. With key players absent, Hearts must rely on depth, pragmatic selection and careful management of fitness to see them through the final run of games and sustain their challenge.
