Hearts are facing up to two months without captain Lawrence Shankland as the Scotland striker recovers from a hamstring strain, while the Scottish Premiership leaders have agreed a deal to speed up the signature of Rogers Mato. With work permit and visa issues pending, Mato is unlikely to join in time for Sunday's home game against champions Celtic. Shankland, 30, scored his 15th goal of the season in Saturday's Scottish Cup loss to Falkirk before going off in extra-time. With 11 goals, Shankland is the Premiership's top scorer, while team-mate Claudio Braga has nine. Pierre Landry Kabore and Elton Kabangu came off the bench for Hearts on Saturday, with teenager James Wilson another option in attack.

Source: BBC January 20, 2026 13:27 UTC