Hearts boss Craig Levein is unsure if Steven Naismith will be fit for the Tynecastle side’s upcoming league match against Motherwell.
However, he is confident that Naismith will be fit for the following week’s Edinburgh derby. Naismith has struggled with injury this season, and didn’t feature in Scotland’s recent internationals due to a hamstring issue.
But Levein believes that the player should have recovered in time for the game against Hibs at Easter Road.
“The injury is nothing significant” Levein said, as reported by the Edinburgh Evening News.
(Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
“Very confident”
“We will just follow the normal recovery procedure for the injury. If he doesn’t make this weekend, I’d be very confident he will make the following week.”
It would be a major boost for Hearts if Naismith returned to the side in time for the Edinburgh derby. The Tynecastle side have struggled to find the back of the net so far this season.
(photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
Tynecastle club have struggled so far this season
In four league games, they have scored a total of five goals, and sit joint bottom of the Premiership. They need Naismith back in the side soon if they are to kickstart their league campaign.
(photo by Alan Rennie/Action Plus via Getty Images)
He could be the man to make the difference against Hibs. For now though, Hearts may have to wait another week until Naismith returns.
That is the sensible thing to do, as they don’t want to rush the player back too early, and he ends up getting injured again. Better to take the time, to ensure that Naismith is fit for the derby.