Source: Team_Talk
Jambos gaffer short of numbers
Hearts manager Jim Jefferies is facing the prospect of being without nine first-team players for Sunday's visit of Dundee United in the SPL.[LNB] 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.[LNB]David Obua could return to the bench at best after injuring his groin in pre-season, but there are doubts over in-form striker Calum Elliot - who has suffered a knee injury - Marius Zaliukas, Darren Barr, Lee Wallace and Stephen Elliott.[LNB]Jefferies, whose side have registered four points from a possible six, said: "Calum was just in training on Monday morning and he turned sharply, with nobody near him, and he felt it right away.[LNB]"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.[LNB]"Stephen is still rated as doubtful but we will give him a chance also.[LNB]"David Obua could make the bench but there are also doubts over Lee, Marius and Darren."[LNB]Meanwhile, Jefferies is hoping captain Zaliukas can agree a new contract with the club after returning to Lithuania for talks.[LNB]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.[LNB]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.[LNB]"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."
