Birmingham City player update will surely affect Celtic transfer plan | OneFootball

Marc Leonard, who is out on loan at Hearts from Birmingham, is set for up to nine months out with an Achilles injury.

After a difficult start to the season, Marc Leonard joined Hearts on loan from Birmingham City to help inspire their title bid in January.

It turned out to be a shrewd bit of business by the Jambos, as the midfielder immediately became a key figure for Derek McInnes’ side.

However, Leonard was forced off in Hearts’ 1-1 draw at Motherwell on Saturday night with what looked like a serious issue.

McInnes stated after the game that he was concerned, and those fears were confirmed as it was revealed by journalist Joel Sked that Leonard is set for up to nine months out with an Achilles problem.

Birmingham City set to miss out on Marc Leonard summer sale

That could have major implications in the title race, as Leonard will be watching on for the last two games of the season, with Hearts currently one point ahead of Celtic ahead, and the two clubs meet in Glasgow on the final day.

Beyond that, it’s also going to impact Leonard’s future moving forward, as he will now return to the Midlands for treatment.

Prior to his injury, there was plenty of speculation surrounding the 24-year-old, with reports claiming that Celtic were tracking Leonard.

The Scottish champions are set for a major summer overhaul irrespective of whether they win the league, and Leonard was believed to have come into their thinking to bolster the midfield.

Yet, with the ex-Brighton man set to be absent until early 2027, it seems Celtic, or any other club, will wait until January at the very earliest before pursuing Leonard.

As well as that, if Chris Davies did have plans to bring Leonard back into the fold, that would have to change, and it’s an area of the pitch that Blues could look to address as Tommy Doyle is returning to Wolves, and Jhon Solis’ move has not been made permanent.

Marc Leonard’s injury has come at just the wrong time for himself and Birmingham City

You have huge sympathy for Leonard here, as he was seemingly loving his football with Hearts right now, and they are on the cusp of potentially making history.

Of course, if they do win the league, his contribution will be remembered, but he would’ve been desperate to be out on the pitch as they look to make it happen.

Furthermore, his performances also caught the eye of Scotland boss Steve Clarke, and whilst he by no means was a guarantee to make the World Cup squad, this injury has obviously ended any hopes of playing on the biggest stage as well.

As outlined above, this is almost certain to prevent Leonard getting a summer transfer move as well, so he will be hugely frustrated at the timing of this setback, which is a real shame.

But, these things happen in football, and, at 24, Leonard still has a long career ahead, and his only focus right now has to be on the long road to recovery, as well as hoping that Hearts can finish the job in his absence.