Craig Halkett sets Hearts Champions League return target as he offers injury return update

Halkett is five months post-op from Achilles surgery and has resumed running; targeting a New Year return to help Hearts chase Champions League qualification.

Hearts defender Craig Halkett has reached a key recovery milestone in his rehabilitation from an Achilles rupture suffered in May. The 31-year-old, five months post-surgery, has begun running again and is on track to return by the New Year. Halkett expressed optimism about the next phase of his recovery, saying his physios and surgeon are happy with his progress. He is eager to help Hearts mount another title challenge and secure Champions League football after they narrowly missed out on the league last season and were eliminated from the Champions League qualifiers by Sturm Graz.