Hearts boss Craig Levein is concerned as Peter Haring’s recovery from a niggling groin issue takes longer than expected.
Indeed, Levein has admitted that Hearts may need to sign a player to make up for Haring’s absence.
“We don’t have anyone else like him”
“I was hoping he’d be fit by now, but he’s not. That’s a wee bit of a worry because we don’t have anyone else like him” Levein said, as reported by the Evening News.
“That’s something I might have to look at, with regard to bringing another one in for that position, which is such an important position.”
It is a blow for Hearts that Haring’s injury hasn’t cleared up in time for the start of the season. The league season might be a while away yet.
Likely to miss cup matches
However, Haring looks set to miss Hearts’ Betfred Cup matches, starting with the tie against Dundee United on Friday night.
Levein’s plans to potentially sign a player who can replace Haring in the short-term makes sense. However, there is no guarantee that whoever comes in will be as effective for the Jambos as Haring has been.
Still, that is a gamble that Hearts might have to take, to get through the early part of the season. All at Tynecastle will be hoping that Haring’s injury isn’t that bad, and he can return as soon as possible.