Steven Naismith appears to be losing his bid to face Celtic in the Scottish Cup Final next month.
The Norwich City striker is on loan at Hearts but has had his season curtailed to just 16 appearances due to recurring injuries.
Naismith made his last appearance in the 2-1 defeat from Celtic at the end of February when he had to go off at half time due to a sore knee.
Back in October at the semi-final of the Betfred Cup he only lasted 8 minutes at Murrayfield before hobbling off injured despite no apparent contact.
There is still five weeks to go until the Scottish Cup Final but at a media conference today Craig Levein wasn’t holding out much hope for the Scotland striker.
“It will be touch and go whether he makes the cup final or not,” the Hearts boss told BT Sport. “We’ve still got a bit of time but the most important thing for me is that we can get Steven signed up on a long-term contract and I want him to be in good health when we start next season. That becomes a priority.
“I’m sure if Steven is capable of playing in the cup final then he will and you know what type of character he is.
“If he can make it then fine, but I’m not relying on it and we’re prepared to play without him. If he makes it then it’s a bonus.
“I wouldn’t gamble on his fitness. There are things you can risk but then make worse, a lot worse.
“Certain injuries you can do (take a gamble) with – this isn’t that type of injury so the chances of us taking a risk are pretty low.
“The worst outcome is pretty bad so I don’t think it’s worth that, particularly if he’s going to sign here long term.”
Hearts play Celtic in the final SPFL match of the season just six days before the Hampden final.
Celtic are likely to be without Dedryck Boyata and Ryan Christie for the cup final although neither play has been officially ruled out.
