Hearts wait on Rogers Mato Uganda decision as club watch their international players

Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken is monitoring his international players closely and hopes Uganda will rest forward Rogers Mato during upcoming friendlies. Mato started Uganda's recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tunisia and Libya, scoring against Tunisia and earning his 43rd cap. With Uganda facing DR Congo in two friendlies in South Africa, Hearts are anxious to avoid player burnout amid a congested schedule.

Vrancken confirmed that six first-team players are away on international duty, including James Wilson, Aron Benjaminsen, and Landry Kabore, who have all seen action. Uganda head coach Paul Put indicated he may test newly called-up players during the friendlies, which could allow Mato to receive a needed break before returning to Tynecastle.