Hearts explain Stephen Kingsley’s injury and answer defensive questions – Matthew Gillies decision for Sunday

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken addressed defensive issues and explained that defender Stephen Kingsley suffered a hamstring injury during a 3-1 Conference League loss to Thun. Kingsley's departure forced teenage defender Matthew Gillies to make his debut, with Vrancken confirming Gillies could remain with the squad for Sunday's Scottish Premiership match against Falkirk due to extensive injuries across the squad.

Vrancken admitted fielding Kingsley on Thun's artificial turf carried risks given his past muscle injuries. In the match, an own goal from Jamie McCart alongside strikes by Brighton Labeau and Furkan Dursun put Thun 3-0 ahead before Stuart Findlay scored a late consolation goal for Hearts, who currently expect no injured players back for Sunday.