Hearts manager Jim Jefferies is facing the prospect of being without nine first-team players for Sunday's visit of Dundee United in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.
While Andy Driver and Gary Glen are definitely ruled out through injury, Ruben Palazuelos is suspended after being sent off in last Saturday's 4-0 win at Hamilton. David Obua could return to the bench after injuring his groin in pre-season, but there are doubts over striker Calum Elliot - who has suffered a knee injury - Marius Zaliukas, Darren Barr, Lee Wallace and Stephen Elliott.
Jefferies said: "Calum was just in training on Monday morning and he turned sharply, with nobody near him, and he felt it right away."
He added: "X-rays show there is something there but something that could settle down. It's not too bad and we will give him every chance to recover.
"Stephen is still rated as doubtful but we will give him a chance also.
"David Obua could make the bench but there are also doubts over Lee, Marius and Darren."
Meanwhile, Jefferies is hoping captain Zaliukas can agree a new contract with the club after returning to Lithuania for talks.
The 26-year-old's loan from FBK Kaunas in his homeland expires in December and Jefferies is desperate to tie the defender down on a long-term deal after giving him the armband at the start of the season.
He said: "We had a day off on Wednesday and, with him being injured for the Elgin game, he set off and he is over there for talks.
"The situation is quite simple, he is a Kaunas player and I think he is out of contract with us very shortly. He's part of a dressing room that's buzzing just now so I hope the talks go okay."
Source: PA
