Hearts manager Craig Levein has confirmed that midfielder Peter Haring is heading to England for an investigation on an ongoing pelvis issue.
The Austrian struggled with the injury towards the end of last season. He made 37 appearances after arriving last summer, becoming one of the Jambos’ main players.
His manager has said the injury may force him into the transfer market.
Levein told NTOF: “We don’t have an awful lot of recruitment left to do. Haring is still suffering from this pelvic problem. It’s something we are investigating just now.
“We’ll need to do something in that regard. We’ve got enough cover at the moment that I feel we can go into competitive matches without worrying too much.
“We’ve also had the added complication that we didn’t know whether Arnaud Djoum was staying or leaving. We now know the answer to that, so that just reinforces my thoughts that we need another midfielder.”
Hearts boss gives Haring injury details
Hearts boss Levein gave NTOF details on Haring’s injury. He is taking some of the responsibility for his midfielder’s situation, having pushed him through the Scottish Cup final last year.
Levein said: “Its been a hell of a frustrating one. He turned out to be one of our most significant players last season. When he was out the team we struggled to fill that gap.
“In some ways, I’m partly responsible for pushing him to play in the cup final. That was the kind of risk and reward thing. I don’t know if it’s a direct consequence but it couldn’t have helped. I need to take some responsibility for that.
“The question is now on that particular area, the pelvis. There are so many different things that interact that sometimes it’s not just one problem, there can be more than that.
“He’s away down south tomorrow (July 11) I think for another investigation. We’ll hopefully get the results of that towards the end of the week. I’m hopeful we’ll get to the bottom of it and we’ll find out exactly what we need to fix.
“Once we’ve got that we can get on with it. I’m very hopeful that we’ll get an accurate diagnosis this week.”
Time for the likes of Andy Irving to step up says Levein
With one man’s absence, another must take his place. Fortunately for Levein and Hearts, the Jambos have plenty of young midfield options to fill in for Haring.
The likes of Anthony McDonald perhaps can’t operate the Haring role effectively, but one player Levein hopes can step up in the Austrian’s absence is Andy Irving, as well as a few other Hearts youngsters.
He confirmed the 19-year-old may be given a chance against his former employers Dundee United: “Irving’s in contention, he done well towards the end of last season. He’s also did reasonably well in pre-season.
“At this minute in time, I’m not in a rush to bring another player in. I want to give some time to Harry Cochrane and maybe Irving. Maybe if some of the forwards aren’t up to speed, then McDonald and Dario Zanatta will be involved as well.”