What happened: Head coach Wouter Vrancken confirmed Milne sustained the anterior cruciate ligament tear while preparing for last Thursday's Conference League defeat at Trabzonspor. Fellow defenders Stuart Findlay and Christian Borchgrevink also remain sidelined, while midfielder Blair Spittal is expected back before Christmas and Tom Renaud is unlikely to return before the holiday.

Why it matters: Voted into the PFA Scotland Premiership Team of the Year last season before being appointed vice-captain in July, Milne leaves a significant void on the left side of the backline. His loss further tests a depleted roster that still managed to secure a road victory at Motherwell on Sunday.

What to watch: Vrancken expects to name an unchanged squad at Tynecastle on Wednesday against Rangers, marking the return of former Hearts manager Derek McInnes after his June departure.