Demetri Mitchell set for Hearts return amid Godinho injury concerns

Demetri Mitchell has been training at parent club Manchester United

The on-loan Manchester United defender is heading back to Edinburgh ready to resume full training after two months out injured.

The news arrives at a perfect time for the Hearts manager Craig Levein after an injury to Marcus Godinho against Rangers yesterday. The Canadian deputised at left wing-back in the last two games but was forced off with a knee problem in the second half at Ibrox.

Mitchell’s reappearance is therefore a major boost. A torn meniscus sidelined the 21-year-old for eight weeks in February but he managed full training with United last week. He is close to completing his return and, provided he suffers no reaction, will have an outside chance of making the Hearts squad for the trip to Pittodrie.

Marcus Godinho, right, was forced off against Rangers on Sunday

“We might have Demi back. He’s back up with us this week and he’s been back in training at Manchester United,” explained Levein. “I don’t know if he’ll be quite ready for Friday but he’ll certainly be training with us this week.

“That makes me feel slightly better since we won’t have to play somebody out of position again at left-back.”

Hearts’ medical staff were due to assess Godinho today as they try to pinpoint the problem. The 20-year-old previously recovered from long-term knee injuries and Hearts are hoping this latest issue is only minor.

“Marcus’ knee is bothering him again unfortunately so that’s disappointing. It was bothering him all through the match yesterday. We will just need to see how he is,” said Levein.