Hearts confirm Calvin Miller’s surgery and return time – and why free agent transfers won’t happen

Hearts winger Calvin Miller will undergo surgery on a damaged meniscus and is expected to miss two to three months of action, head coach Wouter Vrancken confirmed ahead of the UEFA Conference League clash against FC Thun. Miller sustained the injury during Sunday's Premier Sports Cup semi-final against Hibs, adding to an injury crisis that leaves Hearts with only 16 fit outfield players in Switzerland.

Vrancken also ruled out signing free agents to address the shortage, explaining that out-of-contract players would take too long to reach full match fitness. To bolster the depleted squad, 19-year-olds Matthew Gillies and Gus Stevenson have been called up from their loans at Stenhousemuir and are in contention to make their European debuts.