PROBLEMS are piling up for Hearts and boss Derek McInnes fears Lawrence Shankland will miss the crucial encounter against Celtic at Tynecastle a week today.
The Edinburgh club’s top scorer, skipper and talisman limped off during his side’s Scottish Cup penalty-kick shoot-out exit against Falkirk following a 1-1 draw after extra-time last night.
The Scotland international frontman equalised for McInnes’ team with a spot-kick, but was forced to go off with what looked like a hamstring injury before the game went to the penalty decider which was won 5-4 by John McGlynn’s club.
Asked about the extent of Shankland’s injury, McInnes answered tersely: “He doesn’t look good for next week.”
OUT…Cammy Devlin and Callum McGregor gets to grips, but the Aussie will miss the vital clash with the champions at Tynecastle a week today.
DOUBT…Lawrence Shankland sweeps a penalty-kick past Kasper Schmeichel for Hearts’ final goal in their 3-1 win over Celtic in Edinburgh in October, but it looks as though he’ll sit out next weekend’s encounter.
The capital club are already without combative midfielder Cammy Devlin who has been outstanding in his team’s two Premiership successes over the champions this season.
The Australian international is expected to be sidelined for up to eight weeks with an ankle injury.
Another key player, Beni Baningime, in this campaign that has seen the Gorgie side go six points clear of the Hoops will also be missing. He is banned for the next two games.
McInnes, speaking to the Scottish Sun, added: “It’s been a tough week. It has taken its toll in terms of injuries, suspensions and effort put out by the players.
“We’ve got eight days before we play Celtic.
“We’ll dust ourselves down, we’ll see where we are, we’ll get over this disappointment because that’s the job.
“We’ll be ready for them when it comes round.”
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