RYAN JACK is expected to miss Sunday's Premiership clash against Hearts.

The midfielder has struggled with long-term injury for the best part of this year. 

He was ruled out of the Euros during the summer after going under the knife for an ankle injury sustained in April. 

He returned to full first team training in October and made a late substitute appearance against Ross County in Steven Gerrard's last game at the club. 

Giovanni van Bronckhorst said last week how he was hopeful of getting the Scotland international more game time in the coming weks to build up his match sharpness. 

He was due to be involved against Lyon last night.

However, the manager has revealed that Jack has suffered a slight injury setback, and will not feature this weekend at Tynecastle. 

He did expand that he is hopeful it's not a lengthy spell on the sidelines. 

The Dutchman also provided an update on front pair Alfredo Morelos and Fashion Sakala, with Kemar Roofe appearing to be a doubt.

Gio told the media: "Morelos and Fashion Jr will join up with the squad again. Roofe is also a doubt for Sunday.

"Ryan (Jack) had a problem in the final training session before Lyon. Hopefully, he will join up with us soon but will miss out on Sunday."