Source: PA
Jefferies facing early-season shortages
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 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.
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.
"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."
