The Jambos are just over a week away from kicking off the new season, but the trials and tribulations of the summer continue.
Steven Naismith has hit out at COVID-19 testing rules for sides in the Championship, while one of the competitions Hearts are due to play in this season may not even take place.
Here are your Hearts headlines and all the news from Tynecastle this Thursday.
Naisy hits out
Steven Naismith has questioned the “crazy” COVID-19 testing anomaly that could put Hearts at a disadvantage.
The Tynecastle club are testing players and staff twice a week and strictly adhering to Government guidelines in order to fully minimise the risk of the virus spreading.
However, they’ll soon come up against their Championship rivals who are not required to test.
Flag day
Hearts have issued a flag plea to fans in order to kit out Tynecastle.
The Jambos make their long awaited return to competitive action next Tuesday when they host Inverness Caledonian Thistle in the Betfred Cup.
There will of course be no fans in attendance, but the club have asked that punters lend their flags in order to display them in the stands.
Challenge Cup challenge
Hearts could have one less competition to worry about this season with the Challenge Cup under threat.
The SPFL has written to all Championship, League One and League Two clubs to ask if they can afford to take part in the competition, reports the Daily Record.
Club’s have until tomorrow lunchtime to respond, after which a decision will be made on whether the lower league competition takes place.
