Hearts confirm Beni Baningime blow as midfielder posted missing from matchday squad

Baningime has been a key performer in Hearts' surge to the top of the Scottish Premiership, starting eight matches in a row after missing the start of the season with a knee problem.

That sequence has come to an end with the 27-year-old Congolese posted missing from the matchday squad to face Dundee United at Tynecastle on Sunday.

McInnes confirmed that the player will be missing for an extended period of time.

“Beni, unfortunately, did his hamstring in training on Friday so we are going to be without him for a number of weeks,” McInnes told Hearts TV. “Just as we are getting the strength of the squad back, we have got to deal with that. Beni's been doing particularly well of late as well so disappointed for him."

Baningime's place in the Hearts line-up against United has been taken by summer signing Tomas Magnusson, who starts his first league match after netting his maiden goal for the club off the bench in the 4-0 win over Dundee last weekend.

“Big Tomas comes in," McInnes added. "He's been waiting in the wings. Last time out against Dundee he scored a goal. He came off the pitch feeling good about himself. And he will come onto the pitch today ready to step in. There is no doubt Beni's been good and influential in the team but we feel we have good options and hopefully Tomas comes in and does that."