Hearts set to make late call on defenders

Manager Jim Jefferies is worryingly short of defensive options with Marius Zaliukas, Craig Thomson and Jose Goncalves injured and Eggert Jonsson suspended. However, in midfield, Suso is expected to return from a thigh complaint having missed Hearts' last two matches.

Jefferies will give Bouzid and Kucharski every chance to prove their readiness and club medical staff will assess both players when they report to Riccarton tomorrow before boarding the team coach to Tayside.

Bouzid injured a hamstring in last month's Co-operative Cup semi-final against St Mirren but managed to train this week with the first-team squad. Kucharski damaged his groin and was withdrawn during last Saturday's victory over Aberdeen. He has been working on the injury with Hearts' physio Rob Marshall.

Of the two, Bouzid has a better chance of featuring but Jefferies is hopeful both players will be available to avoid further complicating his lack of choice in defence.

"Kucharski is not totally ruled out yet but is still rated doubtful," explained Jefferies. "There is no way he is 100 per cent yet. Bouzid trained this week and looks as if he could be okay. Other players will probably already know they are playing different positions tomorrow. Last week, we had people playing three different positions just to cover the pitch when we were down to ten men.

"Suso trained and looks okay, which is good news. He'll get more training under his belt before the game and should be fine.

"Given the number of problems we have, it's fair to say he's in contention."

Meanwhile, fewer than 500 tickets are left for the Edinburgh derby at Tynecastle on Saturday, 20 March (kick-off 12.15pm). Hearts have advised supporters to secure their briefs as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

A club spokesperson said: "The simple message is 'don't leave it too late' because we fully expect this match to be sold out next week – well in advance of the actual week of the match. Interest and excitement is extremely high and, with that in mind, we encourage supporters who want to be part of what is sure to be a dramatic day to book their seats today."

Tickets start at just 23 for adults, 10 for accompanied under-12s, 11 for under-18s and 13 for over-65s and students.

To buy tickets call 0871 663 1874 (option 1], visit the Tynecastle ticket centre or go online to www.heartsfc.co.uk