Hearts did not just leave Fir Park with two points dropped. They left with two major injury bombshells that could have a serious say in the final stretch of this title race.
Derek McInnes’ side were held to a 1-1 draw by Motherwell on Saturday night, a result that has handed Celtic a clear opening ahead of Sunday’s Glasgow derby at Celtic Park.
But the damage for Hearts went beyond the scoreline.
Marc Leonard and Craig Halkett both had to come off injured, with McInnes confirming after the game that both players had suffered Achilles injuries. Their seasons now look to be over, which is a double blow at the worst possible point of the campaign.
Leonard went down in the first half with what initially looked like an ankle problem. The Birmingham City loanee had to be helped from the pitch by Hearts’ medical staff before half-time and was replaced by Alexandros Kyziridis for the second half.
9th May 2026; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Heart of Midlothian; Marc Leonard of Heart of Midlothian is taken off the pitch by hearts medical staff after picking up an injury
It was a worrying sight for Hearts, particularly given how important Leonard has become in their midfield since arriving at Tynecastle.
There is also a Celtic subplot here.
Leonard has been linked with a summer move to the Hoops, with reports this week claiming Celtic have been monitoring the midfielder ahead of the window. His loan at Hearts is due to end before he returns to Birmingham City, but this injury may now be something Celtic and any other interested clubs keep a close eye on.
The second blow came after the interval when Halkett slipped in his own half while under pressure from Motherwell’s Elijah Just.
The Hearts defender immediately signalled to the bench, and after treatment on the pitch, a stretcher was called. Halkett was carried off to applause from both sets of fans.
9th May 2026; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Heart of Midlothian; Craig Halkett of Heart of Midlothian has his head in his hands after picking up an injury
9th May 2026; Fir Park, Motherwell, Scotland; Scottish Premiership Football, Motherwell versus Heart of Midlothian; Craig Halkett of Heart of Midlothian is put onto a stretcher after an injury
Halkett has been a key figure for McInnes, and losing him at this stage of the season weakens a defence that still has massive games to navigate.
McInnes had welcomed Cammy Devlin back into the squad for the Motherwell game, but Hearts were already without Harry Milne, Tomas Magnusson and others. Now Leonard and Halkett appear to have been added to that list.
Hearts have Falkirk coming to Tynecastle next before travelling to Celtic Park on the final day. They are trying to win the league title for the first time since 1960.
For Celtic, the equation remains simple enough.
They still have to do their own job. They still have to beat Rangers on Sunday, something they have not managed inside 90 minutes this season. But Hearts have dropped points and now look to have suffered two season-ending injuries in the same night.
The title race has not stopped twisting yet. It feels like it’s all hinging on Sunday midday.
