Hearts manager Craig Levein admits yet another player could face surgery after revealing that winger Callumn Morrison has been hampered by a knee issue.

The 19-year-old pulled out of the Scotland Under-21 squad for personal reasons but Levein admits the youngster has been having to content with an ongoing cartilage problem.

Morrison, who has made 35 appearances this term, scoring once, is hoping to make it through to the end of the season before an operation will then be considered.

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Levein said: “It’s an ongoing problem and he will get something done about that in the summer. If he requires surgery then he will get it.

“He has a little tear in his cartilage but it’s sat down and isn’t causing him any bother just now. Sometimes it can be irritating but thankfully he is fine just now.

“I’ve been pleased with him this season. He is quite an uncomplicated boy.

“He isn’t going to grow much more in height but he can fill out a little bit and become stronger to improve himself.”

Levein has not had his injury woes to seek this season, with captain Christophe Berra, John Souttar, Peter Haring, Uche Ikpeazu having gone under the surgeon’s knife at various stages throughout the campaign.

Scotland striker Steven Naismith is currently recovering after having his second knee operation in the space of five months.

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Levein, meanwhile, is weighing up a move for Cletus Nombil after the Ghanian midfielder played as a trialist in a closed doors friendly against Queen of the South at the weekend.

The 18-year-old is contracted to Dreams FC in his country’s top-flight but has been actively trying to secure a deal in Europe.

Visa issues reportedly cut short a loan move to Sparta Prague this season and Nombil has recently been training with AIK Stockholm in Sweden.

Hearts, who host Aberdeen this weekend, lost Saturday’s clash 2-1 after Stephen Dobbie notched a brace. Chris Hamilton score for Levein’s side.