Hearts striker Mauricio Pinilla is in danger of missing the rest of the season after sustaining a serious knee injury.The 23-year-old Chilean suffered ligament damage while training and will be ruled out for the rest of the campaign if surgery is required.

Pinilla had hoped to make a major impact at Tynecastle this season, after returning from a loan spell with Universidad de Chile, but injuries have restricted him to just two appearances as substitute.

Tests in London on Thursday should cast further light on the nature of his latest blow, and determine whether an operation is needed, however Pinilla appears certain to face a lengthy absence from the first team.

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