Aaron Hickey could be in line for a first Bologna start against Parma next Monday - providing the Serie A club finally announce his signing.
The Hearts teenager has been in the city for two weeks after jetting out to undergo his medical ahead of his £1.5million switch from Tynecastle being confirmed.
Hickey had hoped to be in contention to make his I Rossoblu debut in last night’s season opener against Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s AC Milan at the San Siro.
But he had to undergo two COVID-19 tests and produce two negative results before he could train with his teammates, with Bologna yet to officially confirm his transfer.
Hickey will be hoping that’s done in time for their home match against Parma next week, with Sinisa Mihajlovic now without his first choice left back Mitchell Dijks.
Bologna were already 2-0 down thanks to an Ibrahmovic double, the Swedish superstar heading in the opener in the first half before emphatically doubling the hosts’ advantage from the penalty spot after the break.
And Dijks was given his marching orders with just two minutes to go, picking up a second yellow card for a cynical shirt pull on Belgian winger Alexis Saelemaekers.
That could provide Hickey with his opportunity sooner than he would have expected.
Bologna sporting director Walter Sabatini confirmed the 18-year-old has been signed as back up to the more experienced Dutchman, but could now be required to fill in on the left hand side of defence given his suspension.
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