Daniel Stendel expects John Souttar will have to go under the knife to repair a ruptured Achilles suffered against Rangers at the weekend.
The Scotland defender appeared to be in real discomfort as he was forced off after just 15 minutes of Hearts' 1-0 William Hill Scottish Cup victory at Tynecastle and is set to miss the rest of the season.
It comes as a hammer blow for Souttar, who had only just returned to action in January after an ankle injury picked up on the opening day of the season required surgery, which ruled him out for several months.
It’s the third major injury the 23-year-old has suffered since signing for the club back in 2016, having ruptured his other Achilles in 2017.
And while Stendel will be without Souttar’s services on the pitch, he believes he can still play a key role around the club and in the dressing room.
The Hearts boss said: "He was getting a scan and then we will decide on surgery and when.
“I think he will need surgery.
“It is the worst for him, for the club and for the team. Some situations you cannot influence. We hope he comes back in the summer stronger than before.
“He cannot help us on the pitch but I think he will help us in the changing-room with his attitude.
“We missed him for a long time before but the feeling when he was on the pitch and in the changing room was a big impact for the team.
“I hope he is back in the changing room soon. I think it is good for the atmosphere and the mentality of the team.”
