Beni Baningime targets early injury return at Hearts

Enticements are plentiful at Riccarton right now with high-profile European football guaranteed this autumn in either the Europa League or Europa Conference League group stage. Then there is another cinch Premiership campaign and the Premier Sports Cup knockout rounds. In that sense, it is the worst possible time to be restricted to a peripheral role because of injury.

Baningime and defender Craig Halkett both travelled to southern Spain for last week's pre-season training camp, where they continued working towards full fitness on individual programmes. Halkett is much closer to a return than Baningime and should play again later this month following ankle surgery. His injury is nowhere near as severe.

His Congolese colleague has been out since damaging those knee ligaments against Livingston back in March. Baningime’s ultimate aim is to be back in time to feature in one or more of those European ties, the last of which is scheduled for November 3. It is certainly an ambitious target but one which might just be achievable if recovery continues smoothly.

“The physios are the most knowledgeable, Pete [Haring] has been out for a long time and Stephen Kingsley. Liam Boyce had the same injury as me and came back in six months so that's what I'm going for. The boys have been great trying to help me get through,” said Baningime. He is making steady progress at the moment.

“It's coming on all right. I've started doing gymwork so I'll be strengthening my legs for the next few months to get them as strong as possible and then come back. I'm excited for that. Me and Halks are the only ones not fit but it was great being with the boys in Spain. Being at the same place, different scenery, great facilities, it's a lot better.”

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