The Jambos face Falkirk in the latest leg of their Premiership title push but have been hit with a double injury whammy
14:58, 21 Feb 2026Updated 14:59, 21 Feb 2026
Hearts star Beni Baningime(Image: SNS Group)
Derek McInnes has revealed Beni Baningime has been ruled out of today’s clash with Falkirk after picking up a training ground injury.
But the Hearts boss insists the midfielder WON’T face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, making it clear the setback is not serious.
Classy midfielder Baningime, 27, has been dogged by a series of injury issues throughout his five years in Gorgie. However, he’s emerged as a key player behind the Jambos’ title charge this season and his absence will be a bitter blow for the visit of the Barins – weeks after John McGlynn’s high-flyers knocked the league leaders out of the Scottish Cup.
McInnes, though, remains hopeful that the former Everton star will be available for next week’s clash at home to Aberdeen.
He told Hearts TV: “Unfortunately, Beni got injured yesterday, early on in the session. We gave him 24 hours; he wanted to have a fitness test this morning at Oriam.
“So, unfortunately for us, he wasn’t quite able to make it, which is a bit of a blow with Beni’s experience and the quality he brings to the team.
“We don’t think it is anything too serious. We think it is something that will settle over a few days and we imagine he be okay for next week. Unfortunately for us, he is not available today.
“Tomas Magnusson comes into that midfield with Ageu and Marc Leonard. We are looking to make sure we get on top of things in the middle of the park.
“I think it is really important we impose ourselves in, and provide service to our wider players and, hopefully, we can try and play our game in their half a lot more than they would like us to.”
Meanwhile record signing Ageu has dropped out of the starting XI just moments before kick-off at Tynecastle.
The injury-plagued Brazilian midfielder was in line to make his first Tynecastle start but has been replaced by Blair Spittal.
Veteran keeper Craig Gordon didn’t make the squad with Ryan Fulton taking his place on the bench.
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