Hibs blow as injury rules out key midfielder Mallan until March

Hibernian midfielder Stevie Mallan has been ruled out for around two months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

The 23-year-old has been sidelined since the Boxing Day win over Hearts and stayed at home to receive treatment at the Hibernian Training Centre (HTC) when his team-mates travelled to Spain for a winter training camp.

Having had his operation on Tuesday, Mallan will return to HTC today to start a rehabilitation programme.

He told the club’s official website: “It’s an important part of the season with some exciting games coming up, so I’m disappointed to be ruled out for a few weeks.

“The surgeon was pleased with how everything went, and I know I’ll be in safe hands at HTC.

“I’ve been given two months as a rough guide but I’ll throw myself into the programme that’s been drawn up for me and see where it takes me.

“It goes without saying that I wish the boys all the best in the meantime and I’m looking forward to getting back out there with them.”

Hibees boss Jack Ross had been hopeful that Mallan would not require surgery, but the Easter Road side will now be without the dead ball specialist until March.

Ross had earlier admitted that the severity of Mallan’s injury could determine whether he looks to add a midfielder before the end of the transfer window.

Hibs will bring a support of around 3,000 and will be allocated the Jim McLean Fair Play Stand as well as the Jerry Kerr Stand for the cup clash – the first between the sides since March 2017 when a Jason Cummings goal clinched a 1-0 league win at Tannadice.

I’ve been given two months as a rough guide but I’ll throw myself into the programme drawn up for me