Hearts ace to begin ‘ramping up’ injury comeback bid as positive update sent

Hearts defender and club captain Craig Halkett has revealed his rehabilitation from a ruptured Achilles is progressing well following positive feedback from a specialist. The 31-year-old has been sidelined since May 9, when he suffered the injury against Motherwell. Speaking during a punditry appearance, Halkett confirmed he has been running for several weeks and is preparing to resume light training in boots with an aim to return to match fitness by January.

The update comes amid a growing injury crisis for manager Wouter Vrancken, with Halkett being one of 11 players unavailable. Hearts lost fellow defender Stephen Kingsley to injury during a 3-1 Conference League loss to FC Thun, complicating preparations for Sunday's Scottish Premiership fixture against Falkirk.