Hearts defeated St Johnstone 3-2 during their latest Premiership match but were left sweating on injuries after Kye Rowles, Liam Boyce and Nathaniel Atkinson all went off.
A rare blunder by Craig Gordon gifted the Saints an early lead, when his pass out from the back went straight to Graham Carey who lobbed the ball into the net. Quickly the Jambos responded through Kye Rowles and Liam Boyce goals but there's concern after both headed off injured before the break.
Andy Considine levelled things up for St Johnstone as they went blow for blow with a side less who battled with Swiss champions FC Zurich than 72 hours ago in the Europa League. Alan Forrest hit the bar in pursuit of a third Hearts goal. Eventually one did come as Lawrence Shankland converted from the spot following a foul on Barrie McKay, sealing a welcome three points and a return to third place. Here are three things we learned from the match.
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Defensive worries
Rowles trudging offer here added his name to a growing list of defensive concerns for boss Robbie Neilson to consider.
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Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley missed this one with knocks and Nathaniel Atkinson also went off with a fitness concern. It's not ideal with games coming every few days.
Painful exit
Injuries were a running theme in this match with four players all going off with problems, and there were heightened fears for Boyce.
He was stretchered down the tunnel in clear distress and now fingers are crossed over how long he will need to spend out of action.
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Relentless schedule
Neilson planned friendlies every three days in pre-season to prepare Hearts for this but they are getting a firm reminder of the challenges facing them this season.
The manager had to rotate his team and there's a cup tie with Kilmarnock coming on Wednesday, and it appears a settled XI probably shouldn't be expected from the Jambos with European group stage football to come.
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