CRAIG Levein, the Hearts manager, has been dealt a blow after revealing that midfielder Arnaud Djoum is facing up to five weeks on the sidelines with a knee injury.
The Cameroon internationalist was forced off at half-time in Saturday’s morale-boosting 2-1 victory at Hamilton after sustaining medial ligament damage making a block tackle.
The 28-year-old, who has made no secret of using the Tynecastle side as a stepping stone to a major European league, has started the first two games of Levein’s reign.
The only consolation for Hearts is that the Africa Cup of Nations winner’s absence will coincide with an international break at the start of October.
While Djoum looks set to miss upcoming matches against Partick Thistle, Dundee, Ross County and St Johnstone, the October 24 derby clash at Hibs could be a realistic target for a comeback.
Levein said: “The disappointing thing is that Arnaud could be out now for four or five weeks.
“It’s a real blow for us because he’s one of our most important players. Unfortunately he’s got a medial ligament injury so he’s going to be out.”
Levein, meanwhile, insists new signing Ross Callachan has made an outstanding start to life at the Gorgie club.
Callachan signed a two-year contract with his boyhood heroes in a £50,000 move on deadline day and has made a seamless step up to the Premiership.
Levein said: “That’s two matches and Ross has played two very good games.
“He’s obviously got a connection with the Hearts supporters as you can see - and he’s got a connection with the rest of the players.”
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