Source: Team_Talk
Zaliukas boost for Jambos boss
Zaliukas has begun light training after recovering from the hamstring tear he suffered during last month's victory at Aberdeen.[LNB]The Lithuanian's return would be a timely boost with Ismael Bouzid due to see a specialist over his hamstring problems and Dawid Kucharski (hamstring) and Jose Goncalves (thigh) also struggling.[LNB]Left-back Lee Wallace and midfielder Eggert Jonsson filled the central defensive roles during Saturday's 2-1 win over Hibernian after Kucharski limped off.[LNB]Jefferies told Hearts News: "The good news is that Marius Zaliukas did the warm-up yesterday, did a bit more today and will hopefully train fully with us on Thursday. That's a big positive."[LNB]The Hearts manager added: "I don't think it is Lee's preferred position but he has gone in there and done a good job for the team.[LNB]"We have had to chop and change a lot in recent weeks and played people out of position but they have all done their best, which is all I can ask."[LNB]Jefferies is unsure whether skipper Michael Stewart will return from a calf injury but expects fellow midfielder Ian Black to be able to play despite the concussion which forced him off against Hibs.[LNB]"We'll see how it goes this week with Michael," the former Kilmarnock manager said.[LNB]"Blackie didn't train yesterday and we'll watch him as it was a head knock, but we expect him to be all right."[LNB][LNB][LNB] Hearts v Rangers. Click here to bet.
