Derek McInnes insists it’s not all doom and gloom at Hearts, as the Jambos prepare for a top of the table clash against Celtic this Sunday.
The Jambos have been hit with long-term injuries to key players in the shape of skipper Lawrence Shankland and Cammy Devlin but admits the positive is that the Jambos can look to address those issues in the January window.
There was also positive news regarding Ageu and Oisin McEntee, who are both expected to return to full training towards the end of the week.
Speaking to the media at the pre-match press conference, he said:
“We've got a few concerns. Obviously, we've got the news yesterday with Lawrence, the longer-term injury with him and Cammy. There's a wee doubt about Magnusson at the minute, which isn't ideal either. So, we've got one or two wee issues going on.
“Ageu and McEntee will hopefully get back onto the training ground on Friday and train fully. Both lads have done wee bits and pieces today again, so we've just got to be mindful about where they're coming from.
"Oisin is three and a bit weeks, since he last played. Ageu, obviously coming from a longer way back, so we just need to weigh up everything once the game comes round and obviously Beni is suspended.
“It's been a tough week with injuries, suspensions and stuff and it has taken its toll. But I think the good thing is we've got to be grateful that we're in a January window and you can still act upon it.
"We could be sitting here next month and all of a sudden, you're faced with this. At least we're actively trying to alleviate some of the concerns we have and hopefully that can be the case.
“It's a big game Sunday. We've still got a lot going for us in the squad. It's no doom and gloom and I need to stress that. Injuries are part and parcel. Losing key players is part and parcel. I don't want anybody from a Hearts persuasion to lose any sort of hope or optimism. It's a brilliant game to be involved in and we're really looking forward to it.”
You can watch Derek’s press conference in full on Hearts TV.
