Harry Milne Ruled Out for the Rest of the Season as Hearts Count Their Injuries

Hearts left-back Harry Milne will miss the rest of the season after rupturing a knee ligament, head coach Wouter Vrancken has confirmed.

The injury is to the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the main ligaments that keep the knee stable. Surgery and rehabilitation for this kind of injury usually take many months, which is why Milne's season is over. The 29-year-old was hurt in training before Hearts' Conference League defeat away to Trabzonspor, and he is one of the most experienced full-backs in the Hearts squad.

Milne had a strong season last year. He was voted into the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year, a selection made by the players' union from the best performers across the league. In July, Vrancken also named him one of the club's vice-captains. Losing a player with that standing is a blow on and off the pitch.

The timing makes it harder. BBC Sport reports that Hearts will be without eight first-team players for Wednesday's home match against Rangers. Defenders Stuart Findlay and Christian Borchgrevink face further time on the sidelines, so the back line is stretched.

There was some better news. Midfielder Blair Spittal is expected to return before Christmas. Hearts also picked up a result on Sunday, beating Motherwell 2-0, and that win gives the squad a lift before a difficult week.

For Hearts fans, the immediate job is shaping a defence without one of its most reliable players. Full-backs have to attack and defend in equal measure, so the club will need to find a way to cover that role until the new year. Vrancken's options will be tested over the coming weeks.

Milne's season ends early, but his recovery will matter to him and to the club. Players who go through a serious knee injury often spend long hours in the gym and in physiotherapy before they return. Supporters will be hoping to see him back on the pitch for the next campaign.