Hearts winger Calvin Miller will be out until the New Year after requiring surgery on a knee injury, manager Wouter Vrancken has confirmed. The 26-year-old suffered a meniscus injury during the Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to Hibs at the weekend and is set for at least two months on the sidelines.
Injury Crisis Deepens
The setback adds to Hearts' growing injury list, with 10 first-team players unavailable for their Conference League clash in Thun. Miller's absence compounds a difficult period for the Edinburgh club, who are already stretched thin across the squad.
Vrancken said: "It will be two months, let's say, depending on what the surgery says because it's a meniscus injury. It's a pity, but it is what it is." He added that the injury came from a duel with Martin Boyle, and that surgery will always be required, though the exact recovery time could vary by a few weeks depending on the procedure.
Concussion Protocol for Magnusson
Tomas Magnusson will also miss the European game after coming out of the Hampden match with concussion. Vrancken confirmed the defender is recovering well but must follow the concussion protocol, saying: "Tomas is doing good. The day after was already a lot better. There is a protocol, of course, with concussions. He will be for sure back after the break."
Hearts will have only six outfield players on the bench at the Visana Stadium, including Matthew Gillies, Gus Stevenson and Finlay Pollock. Vrancken acknowledged the limited options, saying: "Problematic to choose one? It isn't there because you have to pick one. You don't have a choice anymore. You have to put the players who are ready to play."
Thun Warning and Transfer Market Reality
Thun have yet to pick up a point in the competition but are boosted by a weekend comeback against Lausanne. Vrancken warned: "Yes, when you have a comeback like this, it's always an incredible win and it gives a boost. They have a good team, they have a lot of energy, they have a lot of intensity. We have to be spot-on, we have to be on our level and to make the result."
On the possibility of signing a free agent, Vrancken was cautious, noting that such players are often out of form and need time to reach match fitness. He said: "There's no point, it makes no sense to take a free agent in. You have to prepare him two months to be physically top. In two months, we have our players back." He left the door open only for an exceptional opportunity, saying: "When there is one on the radar who is top, top and you cannot miss it, then it would be great."
