Hearts midfielder Eduardo Ageu has suffered another injury setback and will miss the club's Conference League group-stage campaign. Head coach Wouter Vrancken confirmed the record signing picked up a muscle injury in training and will be replaced in the European squad by Malachi Fagan-Walcott.
Ageu, who joined Hearts from Santa Clara for nearly £2 million, had been expected to take the place of the injured Blair Spittal in the squad for the group-stage matches. He started in Saturday's win over St Mirren but sustained the injury during a training session. This latest problem adds to two hamstring injuries and a thigh injury he has suffered during his time at Tynecastle.
Vrancken confirms Ageu's absence
Speaking ahead of Thursday's home match against Nordsjaelland, Vrancken said: "Everybody is fit, apart from the long-term injured players. Ageu is not fit. He picked up an injury in training yesterday, so he won't be involved."
"No, it's not the same injury. Of course, it's a pity for him, for the team and for us in general. We just managed to hold it off (on the Euro registration). Normally, when all the paperwork is done, Malakai will be in instead of Ageu. Malachi is now back in the squad."
Vrancken expressed confidence that Ageu will recover from this setback. "He showed his qualities on Saturday," he said. "Yes, because after the game he felt good. Two days later, when we spoke, he was explaining how good he felt and how eager he was to play the European games when that became possible."
Midfield options stretched
"So, for sure, it's a blow for him, but, again, you have to cope with it. You're a professional football player. You have to do your work, go through your rehabilitation again, work towards what's coming next and maintain a positive mindset. That's the only way you'll get there as quickly as possible."
The Hearts boss said he will take a cautious approach with the Brazilian, who will also miss Sunday's match against Celtic. "With muscle injuries, it's always difficult to say because we'll certainly be cautious and won't push him too hard. I'll push him to his limits, but we'll always keep in mind what he's already been through. Over the next week or two, we'll see how he adapts and how he progresses with his rehabilitation."
Ageu's absence leaves Hearts short of midfield options, with Tom Renaud and Spittal injured and Tomas Magnusson suspended. Vrancken said: "Yes, but with Oisin (McEntee), we can move things around a bit. With Calvin (Miller), we can also move things around a bit. It is what it is, of course, but we already knew that when you lose Spitz and Tom, we would be thin in that position. We've managed to deal with it until now, so we'll do it again tomorrow."
European challenge ahead
Hearts face Nordsjaelland, Trabzonspor, Thun, Pafos, Monaco and Borac in their group. Vrancken is aiming to qualify. "Good games, good quality, being there and showing yourself on the pitch. It's always difficult," he said.
"We haven't played a game in the league phase yet, but when you compete, as I said, I never go into a game just to play it or take part in the competition. You always aim to win, to go for it and to reach the next round. When you play a semi-final, you want to reach the final. You don't play just to be in the semi-final and be happy with that. It's the same now. We're in the league phase and have six games to play."
"Whatever your ambitions are over those six games, you're trying to reach the next round. It's a big challenge because we're playing against really good teams and really good sides. Even in Pots Five and Six, we had the best teams from those two pots. So, yes, it will be a big challenge, but we have to show what we're capable of, believe in the things we've done and are doing, and try to achieve it."
Vrancken also warned about the threat posed by Nordsjaelland. "Nordsjaelland are a really good side, actually. They've played a lot of good games, both in Europe and in their domestic competition. They beat St Gallen, and we analysed their game against Benfica. We know St Gallen are also a good team, and when you beat them, you're also a good team. Nordsjaelland have a lot of energy. They're a young team with a lot of energy. They try to play football and they're good on the ball. They try to build up from the back and they have good players."
"They dare to take those risks. I wouldn't say it, but they try to find solutions. They're a really good side to play against, and it's a good challenge for us."
