Hearts midfielder Prince Buaben could miss the season’s opener against St Johnstone on Sunday.
The 26-year-old has been ruled out tonight’s League Cup first-round tie against Arbroath due to lack of match fitness.
Manager Robie Neilson does not want to risk the influential midfielder after he was sidelined by a hamstring strain earlier this month.
The Ghanaian could benefit from an extra rest before the St Johnstone match even though the club manager wants to be cautious.
“Prince will be there or thereabouts. I’d expect him back for Sunday,†Neilson said
“He’s been training for the last few days but I don’t want to rush him.
“We brought him back and he had a wee bit of a setback and I don’t want that to happen again.â€
Buaben was an influential figure for the side as they won the Scottish Championship last season.