Hearts manager Wouter Vrancken attributed his team's Premier Sports Cup semi-final defeat to rivals Hibs to the costly loss of two players through injury during the match. The team was already contending with eight first-team players sidelined before Tomas Magnusson and Calvin Miller were forced off within the first 38 minutes of the game at Hampden.
Vrancken felt the team lost its rhythm and control after the double injury blow, which prevented them from building on an early lead provided by Claudio Braga. Hibs went on to secure a 2-1 victory with goals from Martin Boyle and Jamie McGrath, earning them a spot in the final against Rangers.
"It didn't have to go that way because we had control with how we started," Vrancken stated. "But it changed the moment Tomas was injured, that's clear. And then afterwards with Cal."
Magnusson sustained a head knock, while Miller appeared to suffer a knee injury. "I haven't seen Tomas because he's at hospital," Vrancken explained. "Calvin is in a brace, but it's difficult to say. We have to wait for a scan tomorrow."
The manager indicated that the changes disrupted team connections and weakened their performance in duels and securing second balls. "There were hesitations and that gave Hibs too much space," he added. "You lose the game in that 20 minutes."
Despite adjustments at halftime, the team was unable to fully recover, though Vrancken noted improved dominance in the second half. "Unfortunately, we didn't get rewarded. The players have taken a lot of knocks mentally and emotionally so you just hope they get rewarded for fighting hard."
The injuries present significant selection challenges for Hearts' upcoming Conference League match against Thun. "I don't know how I make changes. We'll see how it goes and who's fit," Vrancken said. "Players will have to play out of position, so we'll see who has the quality to play in certain ones. We have to make the puzzle on Monday or Tuesday."
He emphasized the need for players to overcome excuses and take responsibility, even with a squad depleted by 10 players. "When you have those 10, you have a really good squad in the Premiership," he noted. "The disappointment is really big, not about losing players, but missing the chance to beat your rivals and go to the final."