Hearts look like being without their first choice strike force of Steven Naismith and Uche Ikpeaku for Saturday’s Scottish Cup Final against Celtic.
Craig Levein has been hoping against hope that both players would be available for the Hampden clash but it appears that time has ran out on the Tynecastle duo.
The Daily Record reports:
Naismith’s hopes of being fit to face Celtic on Saturday are slim. The 32-year-old has been out since February with a knee injury and Levein admitted earlier this month he was unlikely to feature.
And bustling frontman Ikpeazu remains doubtful due to a hamstring injury. He has yet to return to full training and it looks like Steven MacLean will be tasked with leading the Jambos’ frontline.
Naismith suffered from a sore knee in the February clash against Celtic and hasn’t played a game since being replaced at half-time.
The on-loan Norwich forward has a history of knee injuries and is unlikely to risk his career with his Carrow Road contract about to expire.
Ikpeazu was substituted three minutes into the second half of the 1-0 defeat from Kilmarnock on May 4 with a hamstring problem.
Levein will have to decide whether he can risk the former Cambridge striker or change his side’s approach and pick between Steven MacLean and Craig Wighton who have a combined tally of seven goals for the season.
Midfielder Ollie Lee is the latest Hearts injury casualty with the midfielder ruled out after twisting his knee in the 2-1 defeat from Celtic on Sunday.