Hearts vs Rangers injury news: 7 out and 5 doubts for powderkeg Tynecastle clash as visitors braced for stern title examination
Latest injury and team news ahead of Monday’s Premiership clash between Hearts and Rangers at Tynecastle Park
Third-placed Rangers will travel across the M8 to Tynecastle on Monday evening safe in the knowledge that anything less than three points against Premiership leaders Hearts could spell the end for their title hopes.
Danny Rohl’s side encounter a major setback in their quest for silverware by losing 3-2 at home to Motherwell in their first post-split fixture last Sunday. Another defeat in Gorgie is likely to extend their trophy drought into a second season.
The Jambos still occupy top spot, three points clear of Celtic as Derek McInnes’ men close in on sealing their first Scottish league title in 65 years after a late 2-1 Edinburgh Derby victory over rivals Hibs at Easter Road last time out.
Rangers will head to the capital four points adrift and desperate to get their title push back on track entering the final stretch of games. The pressure on both teams will be off the charts, with Celtic given the opportunity to move top of the table on a temporary basis if they can beat Hibs in Leith 24 hours earlier.
Here, GlasgowWorld has rounded up the early team and injury news ahead of Monday night’s blockbuster league encounter in the capital.
Ryan Naderi (Rangers) - DOUBT
The towering frontman is back in light training and is “looking good” as he continues his recovery from a muscle injury. Still rated doubtful for the visit to Gorgie, but seems to be making progress in his quest to return before the end of the season.
Oisin McEntee (Hearts) - OUT
Versatile midfielder will miss the remainder of the season through injury.
Tuur Rommens (Rangers) - DOUBT
Belgian left-back has returned to full training after four weeks out with a thigh injury and could potentially come back into the reckoning. Asked if Rommens will be fit for Monday’s clash, head coach Rohl replied: “Let’s see” to suggest it will be touch and go.
Craig Gordon (Hearts) - OUT
Veteran goalkeeper is edging closer to a first-team return after a shoulder problem sustained earlier in the season. Not back in full training, but is carrying out work in the gym and his workload is gradually being increased.
Christian Borchgrevink (Hearts) - OUT
Norwegian full-back sustained a hamstring injury that will keep him out for this one. Has had no luck in his debut campaign after suffering a thigh issue within a month of his arrival.
Ageu (Hearts) - OUT
Brazilian forward won’t feature again this term due to a troublesome hamstring problem. Has endured an injury-ravaged season after moving to Gorgie in the summer.
John Souttar (Rangers) - DOUBT
Centre-back sustained a kick on his knee against Motherwell last Sunday, but is still expected to be included in the matchday squad. Head coach Rohl suggested there is no lasting damage.
Tomas Bent Magnusson (Hearts) - OUT
Icelandic midfielder won’t play again this season after suffering a thigh problem in training while taking part in shooting practice last month.
Harry Milne (Hearts) - DOUBT
Left-back failed to shake off a calf/ankle problem sustained back in mid-March in time to face Hibs last weekend but is making steady progress. Back running on the grass but still needs to prove his fitness to be passed fit.
Cammy Devlin (Hearts) - DOUBT
Australian midfielder is struggling with a muscle strain and faces a race against time to declare himself available. Will continue to be assessed closely by the club’s medical staff.
Calem Nieuwenhof (Hearts) - OUT
Australian midfielder remains a long-term injury victim after sustaining a recurrence of a hamstring issue, which required surgery. Has encountered multiple setbacks in his recovery, after briefly returning to training.
Adam Forrester (Hearts) - AVAILABLE
Right-back has been recalled from his loan spell at Championship winners St Johnstone to provide McInnes with another defensive option.
Finlay Pollock (Hearts) - OUT
Youngster is still carrying out his rehab on a broken foot.