Hearts have included striker Amadou Ba-Sy in their Champions League squad for the upcoming second-round qualifier against Sturm Graz, following his impressive debut brace in a 2-1 victory over Rayo Vallecano on Friday night. The French striker was initially left out of the 22-man pool submitted by manager Wouter Vrancken on Friday, but Vrancken made one of his permitted two changes before the deadline as the team prepared to travel to Austria.
Ba-Sy's Illness and Recovery
Ba-Sy missed a significant portion of pre-season due to illness, losing 6kg in weight and sitting out Hearts' week-long training camp in Spain. However, he has regained fitness and made an immediate impact, scoring twice in his debut against the Europa Conference League runners-up at Tynecastle. His inclusion comes at the expense of Ugandan Rogers Mato, who was dropped from the travelling squad.
Squad Changes and Omissions
Alongside Mato, fellow new signing MJ Kamson-Kamara and winger Josh McPake also miss out. New 6ft 6in goalkeeper Beau Reus was left out as Hearts await international clearance and SFA approval following his move from Beveren on Friday. It is unlikely he will be flown out at this late stage, with Alexander Schwolow, Ryan Fulton, and Zander Clark already travelling to Austria.
Upcoming Tie Against Sturm Graz
The Jambos face Austrian side Sturm Graz in the first leg of their second-round qualifier on Tuesday night. Vrancken's men will look to build on their promising pre-season form, which included the win over Rayo Vallecano, as they aim to progress in the Champions League.
