Prince Buaben escapes serious injury despite scare

Hearts midfielder Prince Buaben is clear of injury after being sent for x-rays on his foot.

The Ghanaian left Palmerston Park on Saturday in a protective cast fearing damage to his toe. However, doctors have confirmed the area is only bruised.

Buaben lasted just 45 minutes of Hearts’ 2-1 win over Queen of the South and was replaced by Kenny Anderson.

He hurt his toe in a fifth-minute tackle, but managed to continue before being substituted at half-time. He was placed in a protective boot by Hearts medical staff as a precaution.

The player underwent x-rays yesterday, and head coach Robbie Neilson confirmed to the Evening News that no damage had occurred.

Nonetheless, Buaben remains a slight doubt for this weekend’s match with Cowdenbeath at Tynecastle. “He’s been x-rayed and everything is fine,” said Neilson. “My issue now is to see how he feels for the weekend. He had a protective boot put just to guard the toe, but that was only a precaution. The main thing is he’s fine, so we’ll see how he is later in the week with regards to Saturday.”

Anderson could be in line to play if Buaben does not prove his fitness in time, although Osman Sow is also a strong contender for a starting place alongside Genero Zeefuik in attack.

Meanwhile, Hearts Under-20s are in action this evening against St Mirren in a 6pm kick-off at the Excelsior Stadium in Airdrie.