HEARTS midfielder Bruno Aguiar was due to return from injury today in a reserve outing against Dundee United following a year-long absence with a persistent ankle problem.
The 27-year-old has completed his rehabilitation programme under the watchful eyes of club medical staff. Stephen Frail, Hearts' interim manager, revealed that Aguiar is now free to augment his fitness at reserve level, starting this afternoon at Forthbank Stadium, before a possible first-team return before the end of the season.
A training-ground tackle from former team-mate Julien Brellier last year left the Portuguese midfielder requiring two operations on the damaged ankle. He also underwent a third procedure to remove a tumour from his foot, further delaying his recovery.
His last appearance in a Hearts shirt was exactly a year ago today in a 2-1 defeat by Rangers at Ibrox, and Frail is heartened to see such an integral player finally ready to return. "Bruno's in line to play some part of the reserve match," he told the Evening News. "He'll probably come on and get involved later on when the game is stretched and I'm delighted he's now at this stage of being ready to play games.
Bruno set for Hearts return after reserve clash - Scotsman.com Sport