Heart of Midlothian face a tougher Champions League test after Sturm Graz lost Amady Camara to injury just days before their second qualifying-round tie. The 21-year-old Mali striker pulled up in training with a thigh strain and will miss both legs against the Edinburgh side.
What happened to Camara?
Camara, who spent last season on loan at Nantes, returned to Sturm Graz this summer after the French club decided against a permanent move. The striker had been tipped to start for the Austrian champions against Heart of Midlothian next week, but the injury forces manager Fabio Ingolitsch to reshuffle his attack before the first leg in Graz on 22 July 2026.
Why it matters for Heart of Midlothian
A fit Camara would have added pace and power to Sturm Graz’s front line, especially after they struggled for goals at home last term. Ingolitsch admitted his side drew too many games at their own ground and needs a strong start to mount a serious European push. The Heart of Midlothian squad, meanwhile, will travel to Austria with extra confidence knowing one of their opponents’ key threats is missing.
What comes next for both sides
Sturm Graz still have Otar Kiteishvili available after his own recent knock. The Georgian playmaker remains the Austrian side’s creative hub, and his presence could help them grind out results even without Camara. For Heart of Midlothian, the focus shifts to finalising squad details before the away leg, with boss Frankie Kent already dealing with his own setback after learning defender Frankie Kent has suffered an ACL injury at his new club and is expected to miss most of the 2026/27 season.
Heart of Midlothian kick off their league campaign against Raith Rovers on 1 August 2026, but the European run offers a chance to test their mettle against tougher opposition early. The first leg against Sturm Graz is on 22 July 2026, with the return in Edinburgh seven days later.
