Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson admits he did not want to risk Frankie Kent at the weekend as transfer talks continue with Hearts.
The centre-back sat out Saturday’s 1-1 friendly draw at Colchester due to a niggle
And with Hearts in discussions with Posh about a six-figure fee for the 27-year-old, Ferguson saw no point in fielding Kent in the clash.
Ferguson said: “Frankie had an injection on Wednesday for a little niggle. He didn’t train Thursday.
“Hearts have made a bid for him.
“So we’ll have to see how that develops. There was no point risking Frankie with that possibly on the horizon.
“They’re made a bid, we’ll have to wait to see if they come back in.”
Kent, who made 49 outings across all competition for the English League One club last season, still has a year to run on his deal but has told Peterborough he wants to move to Tynecastle.
Hearts have already signed goalkeeper Michael McGovern and will welcome Calem Nieuwenhof once the Australian midfielder is granted a work permit and visa.
The Gorgie side, meanwhile, will discover their potential Europa Conference League third qualifying round opponents today when the draw is made in Switzerland.
But with the second qualifying round ties, which includes Hibs’ clash with Inter Escaldes, still to be played, it is likely they will face a wait to discover exactly who they will face.
Hearts, AZ Alkmaar, Dinamo Kyiv, Rapid Vienna and Partizan Belgrade are among only 11 teams who are confirmed in the third qualifying round as things stand.
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