Hearts will be without key duo Michael Smith and Liam Boyce for their first three Betfred Cup fixtures.
The pair are with the Northern Ireland squad for their fixtures against Bosnia, Austria and Norway over the next week.
That means Robbie Neilson will be unable to call on his first choice right back and striker for the next three matches.
Inverness are the opposition for Hearts’ first competitive match in over six months when they visit Tynecastle tomorrow night.
Neilson then takes his team to Cowdenbeath before they host fellow Fifers Raith Rovers in Gorgie the following Tuesday.
Boyce and Smith finish up with Ian Barraclough’s squad the following day and will report back in time for the Championship season opener against Dundee on Friday 16 October.
In the meantime, Jamie Brandon will slot in for Smith at right back, while it’s likely Craig Wighton will lead the line in Boyce’s absence.
Neilson has already said he sees Wighton as a number nine, and has played up front on his own more than once during pre-season.
Captain Steven Naismith may be utilised off the former Dundee man, who has struggled for form since making the switch to Gorgie.
But Neilson has been happy with his contribution so far in pre-season, and it’s hoped a couple of goals in the upcoming games will further boost his confidence.
