Hearts hit by triple injury blow

Hearts face a defensive crisis as key defender Stuart Findlay is sidelined for six weeks with a hamstring injury. Brazilian midfielder Eduardo Ageu also requires thigh surgery and will miss the remainder of his debut season. Goalkeeper Craig Gordon's shoulder injury could also rule him out of Scotland's upcoming friendlies.

Head coach Derek McInnes confirmed Hearts are 'four points clear at the top of the Premiership' despite the injury setback. The manager hopes captain Lawrence Shankland and Findlay will return for the game against Motherwell on April 11, while midfielder Cammy Devlin and defender Stephen Kingsley are expected back in 'two to three weeks'.