Hearts leave two players in Edinburgh as management explain reason for injury issues ahead of Trabzonspor tie

Hearts have traveled to Turkey without midfielder Oisin McEntee and defender Stuart Findlay for their UEFA Conference League match against Trabzonspor. McEntee aggravated a calf injury against Celtic, while Findlay suffered a groin problem in training on Tuesday. Both players remained in Edinburgh for treatment at Riccarton, though full-back Christian Borchgrevink has returned to fitness and traveled with the squad.

Manager Vrancken addressed the team's ongoing injury problems, suggesting that a short pre-season preparation period may be a contributing factor. The absences leave Hearts depleted in midfield, with Laurent Mendy and Tomas Magnusson the only fit established options as the club navigates a demanding run of nine matches in a month.