Hearts have been handed a boost ahead of the Scottish Cup Final. Their opponents, Celtic, are in the middle of a potential injury crisis.
The Daily Record has revealed that the trio of Odsonne Edouard, Mikael Lustig and Jonny Hayes could miss the Hampden showdown.
The absence of Edouard in particular would be a huge boost to Hearts’ hopes of victory.
Could be without recognised striker
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He is Celtic’s top scorer, with 21 goals this season. If he is out, Hearts could be facing a Celtic team without a recognised striker.
Ironically, Hearts’ top scorer could also miss the game. Steven Naismith is unlikely to feature in the game as he is recovering from a knee injury.
(photo by Vagelis Georgariou/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Hearts’ other main goal threat – Uche Ikpeazu – has also been missing due to injury recently.
Hearts need to take any advantage they can
For Hearts to win the cup final they will need everything to go their way on the day. That includes if their opponents have some key players missing because of injuries.
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Of course, Hearts will still need to turn in one of their best performances if they are to win the cup final. But at the moment, they will take any advantage that they can.
Craig Levein knows that if Hearts are taking on a Celtic side without some of their best players they will have a chance of winning the title.
Hearts will still need to be at their very best to win the game though, and Levein will be well-aware of that.