Hearts head coach Wouter Vrancken confirmed left-back Harry Milne is out for the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. Milne suffered the injury in a training session as Hearts prepared for their Conference League defeat away to Trabzonspor.
Milne's season ends
Milne is 29 and was voted into the PFA Scotland Premiership team of the year last season. He was also named one of Hearts' vice-captains by Vrancken in July.
Vrancken said: "Harry is unfortunate, with his season finished. It was an ACL, as I expected. There was a bit of hope, but now it's just unlucky for him. It was hard for him, but he has made peace with it."
Other injury updates
Vrancken also confirmed that Stuart Findlay and Christian Borchgrevink face more time on the sidelines. He expects Blair Spittal to return before Christmas, while he said "it's difficult to see" Tom Renaud being back by Christmas.
Rangers game on Wednesday
Hearts beat Motherwell 2-0 on Sunday, and Vrancken said his squad will be unchanged for the home encounter with Rangers on Wednesday.
The visit of Rangers marks the return of manager Derek McInnes following his departure from Hearts in June. Rangers are second-top and Hearts are four points behind them.
Vrancken on focus
The Belgian said: "We have the same focus as we've had on a few occasions already this season. Focus on what you have to do on the pitch, because we want to win the game and get the result, even with the injuries. We want good confidence with the players on the pitch and in the squad and to keep the belief there. Negative emotions, or emotions in general, that are not focused on what we have to do, don't bring anything extra to the game. There's always noise you have to block out or avoid."