Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson admits luckless striker Soufian El Hassnaoui has suffered another set-back.
The Dutch-Moroccan, who has not played a single game this season due to a series of problems, has aggravated a groin injury and is set to be sent for a scan next week.
El Hassnaoui has been forced to endure various lay-offs since signing a three-year deal with Hearts in summer 2014 in a move from Sparta Rotterdam.
After undergoing a scheduled groin operation shortly after his arrival, the 26-year-old then went under the surgeon’s knife in November 2014 to mend an ankle complaint.
El Hassnaoui, who has made a total of 19 appearances (10 starts), had a third operation carried out last summer after he damaged knee ligaments in a pre-season clash at Preston.
Neilson said: “Soufian has another issue with his groin and is away for a scan next week.
“It’s just one thing after another for him – it’s a shame.
“He came back into full training and then aggravated it again.
“He’ll get scanned next week, we’ll take a look at it and see where we need to go with him.”
