Hearts defender John Souttar set for huge step in recovery from Achilles injury

Hearts defender John Souttar is “well ahead of schedule” in his recovery from a ruptured Achilles and is set to reach a major landmark early next month.

John Souttar hasn't played for Hearts since February.

He is scheduled to begin running at the club’s Riccarton training base and could potentially return to action before the season ends. However, Hearts remain cautious and are fully prepared to do without the 24-year-old until next season rather than rush him back.

Souttar snapped his Achilles for the third time in three years in August and was sidelined for a minimum of six months. As before, he has made rapid progress in rehabilitation and is now ready to start running after New Year.

"He is back running at the start of January. He is well ahead of schedule and has been doing all his exercises,” said Hearts manager Robbie Neilson, speaking exclusively to the Evening News.

“He is starting to get there but it will be very slow progress. If we get him back before the end of the season we will be absolutely delighted, but I think we are all aiming for the start of next season.”

Souttar ruptured his Achilles in 2017 and sustained the same injury in February this year. Just as his recovery was close to completion, he suffered a relapse in August.

That ruled him out of Hearts’ Championship campaign as well as international matches with Scotland. His rehabilitation has gone smoothly so far and he should don a maroon shirt once again at some point in 2021.

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