A report claims that Hearts star Steven Naismith missed Scotland training today, sparking fresh fears over his fitness (The Scottish Sun).
The report claims that the 32-year-old was absent from today’s session ahead of the vital Euro qualifier with Russia at Hampden.
Naismith was a useful player for the national team last year, scoring against Albania, Belgium and Portugal towards the end of 2018.
It’s a big worry for Hearts, especially since he has only just returned to their first-team.
Hearts can’t afford to lose Naismith again
In an injury-hit season at Tynecastle, Naismith still managed to score 14 goals in 27 appearances for the Jambos last term. He’s had a stop-start Premiership campaign this season too.
On the first weekend against Aberdeen, the 32-year-old appeared from the bench with the Dons leading 1-0. Inside ten minutes, he had leveled the scoring and played a pivotal role in the goal that put Hearts ahead.
He was subbed in his next match against Ross County due to injury fears, missed the Celtic game, before appearing as a substitute last week against Hamilton.
Whilst he will be a miss for Scotland if he has to sit the Russia and potentially Belgium games out, he’ll be a bigger miss for Hearts if it sidelines him for a lengthy spell.
Hearts lost just five times when he featured last term, they won six times without him (Transfermarkt).
It just shows how much of an effect he has on Craig Levein’s side. In need of inspiration whilst they are joint-bottom of the Premiership, a fresh Naismith worry is not ideal for the Jambos.