Struggling Hearts have suffered a fresh blow after Uche Ikpeazu suffered a pre-match groin injury ahead of their Scottish Cup clash with Airdrie.
The Englishman was initially named on the bench by Daniel Stendel but is now out of the squad with a groin problem and he's been replaced by veteran Steven MacLean.
And Ikpeazu's setback is set to further strengthen Stendel's desire to bring in another striker to Tynecastle with his side languishing at the foot of the table.
It comes after Hearts stepped up their efforts to bring Kosovan international Donis Avdijaj to Tynecastle
He spent the 2018/19 season with Dutch side Willem II before earning a move to Trabzonspor.
Hearts' need for goals is evident having registered a paltry 18 times in their 21 Premiership games this season.
New captain Steven Naismith will be hoping his side are able to avoid a Scottish Cup shock today against Ian Murray's League One promotion hopefuls.
