BY ALAN TEMPLE – Capital City Press
Hearts captain Alim Ozturk will visit a specialist today after being plagued by a persistent hernia complaint.
The 22-year-old has been in discomfort for several weeks and sat out the Jambos’ last two matches against Celtic and Kilmarnock.
The Tynecastle club have decided the international break provides the perfect opportunity to fully diagnose the extent of the problem, which has also affected the player’s ability to take part in training sessions.
Ozturk will see the same Bradford-based specialist who carried out his hernia surgery during the summer, causing him to miss the first two weeks of pre-season.
Despite his fitness woes, Ozturk has made 10 appearances for the Jambos this term, scoring twice.
Wilt 11 days until Hearts return to Scottish Premiership action with a visit to managerless Dundee United, head coach Robbie Neilson is hopeful the Turk will be available.
