Hearts manager Craig Levein has admitted that senior Jambos stars Arnaud Djoum, Uche Ikpeazu and Peter Haring could miss next weekend’s Scottish Cup final clash with Celtic – with all three likely to miss this weekend’s meeting at Celtic Park.
The pair have been struggling for a number of weeks and the Tynecastle boss hopes they will be fit for the Hampden clash – but admits all three could miss out.
Levein admits it’s a fine balance between risking them before the final and training but he hopes to have a clearer idea within the next few days.
“It’s that close between making sure they’re alright for the final and giving them game-time,” Levein told his pre-match press conference.
“They’re doing a little bit today so it should become a bit clearer, possibly by the beginning of next week exactly where they are.
“Obviously, we’ve not got weeks to spare or they probably would have had some game-time.”
“There’s three, Arnaud (Djoum), Uche and Peter. Arnaud’s Achilles has been bothering him. That’s obviously a little issue but I’m hopeful all three will be fit for the final.”
The Jambos will feature a much-changed side at Celtic Park this wekeend as Levein looks to use some of his fringe men and protect others ahead of the final.
If Levein can get all three fit for next weekend then his side will stand a much better chance of ending Celtic’s hopes of a triple treble.