Robbie Neilson admits injuries to Kye Rowles and Liam Boyce could force Hearts to be “more aggressive” in the transfer market before the window closes on Thursday.
The Tynecastle side recovered from the disappointment of Thursday’s Europa League play-off loss to FC Zurich as a very different side secured a 3-2 home win against St Johnstone in the Premiership on Sunday .
However, the victory was spoiled as the Jambos – already without key men like Craig Halkett and Stephen Kingsley – lost Rowles and Boyce shortly after both scoring in the first half. Both players were seen on crutches as they emerged from the tunnel into their seats at the start of the second half.
“They will be scanned and then we will receive feedback on them,” manager Neilson said. “I don’t know at the moment, it could be a day, it could be nine months.
“Liam has had pain in his knee, but the good thing, despite having crutches, is that he walks upright. Fingers crossed, it’s not as bad as we initially thought.
“Kye has a little problem with his metatarsus. He stood up. He will pass a CT scan.
Hearts confirmed the signing of 24-year-old German midfielder Orestis Kiomourtzoglou on a four-year deal shortly before kick-off. Asked if the injuries will cause him to change his recruiting plans, Neilson said: “We know we have to recruit a few.
“We had Kio right there, but maybe we need another one or two.
“Today we may be a bit more aggressive, but there’s no point in worrying about that right now.”
Neilson, who made six changes from Thursday’s game, was delighted his side had shown they could handle the demands of two games in such a short time.
“One of the questions we will have asked ourselves this season is ‘can we do it on a Thursday night and then come back and do it on a Sunday?’ We have to respond to that, and we did today.
Saints boss Callum Davidson was disappointed with the way his side allowed Hearts to score the winner with 10 minutes remaining.
“It was our free kick, we go far, no one rings in the box and we end up on a block,” he said.
“It’s grassroots football. I am furious. My team gave me so much but when you make basic, basic mistakes, when you don’t organize yourself and don’t do the right things, it’s unacceptable.
“If we had been beaten by a goal in the top corner, that’s fine, but that wasn’t the case.”
Davidson had no complaints from the penalty after Liam Gordon fouled Barrie McKay, clearing the way for Lawrence Shankland to score the winner from the spot.
“It was an all-day penalty,” he admitted. “Gordy needs to stay up.
“But we have to organize ourselves better. Right now, I’m a little raw – the emotions are a little tender.
“There were three games where we should have taken something – Hibs, Aberdeen and this one.
“That’s what pisses me off the most right now.”
