Hearts defender Craig Halkett was ruled out for about 10 weeks with a knee injury, manager Craig Levein has confirmed.
The centre-back was forced last weekend throughout the goalless draw with St Mirren off and scans have shown medial ligament injury has been suffered by him.
Halkett has been a regular fixture in Leveins side in this campaigns early phases, scoring four goals in the Scottish League Cup and making 12 appearances in all competitions.
Levein said:We have a fair concept, itll be about approximately ten months but it could be less or slightly more. It is disappointing on a variety of arenas, of course for ourselves because hes been performing well, and because hes been doing well.
Following the midfielder was forced off at St Mirren with a issue hearts are very likely to be without Loic Damour for Saturdays visit of Kilmarnock.
He hasnt trained this week thats an indication he could struggle for tomorrow Levein said. The strategy is that he will do something now and then we will have to see whether there is a reaction tomorrow before we could make a determination.
Sky Sports has confirmed its latest assortment of Scottish Premiership matches together using also the Edinburgh derby showcased in a stellar schedule over the festive period and also all the Old Firm match.
Hearts host neighbors Hibs on Boxing Day before Scottish champions Celtic entertain Glasgow rivals Rangers on December 29, both 12.30pm kick-offs.