Hearts will look to pull off a major upset in the Europa League third round qualifiers as they take on Portuguese giants Benfica at Estadio da Luz on Thursday night (kick-off: 8pm UK time).
Having lost 6-0 on aggregate to Austrian outfit Sturm Graz in their Champions League qualifiers last week, Wouter Vrancken’s men dropped into the Europa League, but the task is no easier with a daunting challenge against Marco Silva’s men next up.
With the second leg set to be played at Tynecastle on Thursday, August 13, a strong result in the first leg in Lisbon will be required to give themselves the best chance of qualifying for the playoff stage in the capital next week. However, a defensive injury crisis has made Hearts’ task that bit harder.
On the other hand, their hosts Benfica have close to a full squad available as they look to take full advantage of the first leg being played on home soil.
Ahead of the game at Estadio da Luz, The Scotsman has all the latest team news:
5. MJ Kamson-Kamara - Hearts - AVAILABLE
The young centre-back has been added to Hearts' European squad due to a spate of injuries in defence. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
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6. Craig Halkett - Hearts - OUT
The talismanic defender won't be available for several months after rupturing his Achilles in a game against Motherwell last season. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
7. Christian Borchgrevink - Hearts - DOUBT
Continues to struggle with a series of niggling injuries, and is currently a doubt for the clash with a thigh issue. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group
8. Ageu - Hearts - OUT
The Brazilian midfielder missed out on the run in last season with a thigh issue, and reports claim he won't be available until the middle of this month, meaning he misses the game with Benfica. | SNS Group Photo: SNS Group