Hearts boss Jim Jefferies may take comfort knowing that Andrew Driver is on the mend. The midfielder could be fit to be named in the squad for the Edinburgh derby against Hibernian on March 20.
Jefferies has been forced to field patched up sides in the SPL as the Tynecastle side have been plagued by injuries with around 15 players out. The manager will be eager to have his players fit as soon as possible but admits it’s a waiting game to see who pulls through over the next few weeks.
Jefferies said of Driver’s possible return: “We’re hoping to twist the physio’s arm and see how he goes next week and if it [looks ok] it might be a possibility.
“It’s an outside chance at the moment of him being on the bench for the Hibs game…but realistically that might be a little bit too early. He might [play] the following week.”
Meanwhile, Driver’s team mates are gradually coming back into the fold, some quicker than others.
Jefferies revealed Maruis Zaliukas is unlikely to be fit for the next two weeks and has not rejoined training, but Ruben Palazuelos is on the mend.
“Rubens is back training with the physio but not with us so he could just be a couple of weeks away. In fact there is a possibility he could train with us next week.”
The Hearts defence has their work cut out for them at the back with defender Ismael Bouzid still out along with goalkeeper Marian Kello, but Jefferies welcomed the return of keeper Jamie MacDonald.
“Bouzid’s going to see a specialist so we’re waiting on a report on that. Marian will still be out with a small bone fracture, but Jamie MacDonald is back in training this week so that gives us another bit of cover in that area.”
