The Hearts boss spoke with media today ahead of their clash against Rangers this Sunday providing an injury update on some key players.

“Beni Baningime and Calem Nieuwenhof are both close to being available for the weekend”

“Beni is one that we’re hoping to try and get him on the training pitch Friday”

The Hearts midfielder has been missing since November 9th due to a muscle injury. The last game he played was in a 4-0 victory over Dundee at Tynecastle.

Speaking on Nieuwenhof he said: “Calem done a wee bit today and if there is no reaction then maybe do a bit tomorrow and we will see where he’s at as well”.

The Australian has been missing since August with a hamstring injury. This has been an injury that has seen him sidelined previously.

“Ageu is due back from Portugal on Friday after being out there for three weeks”

The Striker has had an unfortunate start to his career with the Jambos and is now in a second period of injury with his hamstring. He has been sidelined since the beginning of November as well.

The final update was provided on 21-year-old Finlay Pollock who was on loan at Raith Rovers last season. He joins the list of hamstring injuries for McInnes and has yet to be involved this season due to this injury.

“Finlay Pollock has been on the grass running as well, trying to make a wee bit of headway with that”

The manager did say that there is a “a bit of a bug at the minute” but has not affected the main squad as much.

The update confirms no further injuries for the Gorgie side in their preparation for the final game before Christmas.