Hearts Injury Worries Reducing

Hearts manager Jim Jeffries may be able to welcome defender Dawid Kucharski back  to training ahead of game against Motherwell at Fir Park. The Pole missed last weekend's loss to Dundee United after suffering a groin injury at Aberdeen but Jeffries has been encouraged by how well he has responded to treatment. However, Michael Stewart remains a doubt after aggravating a calf problem in the warm-up at Tannadice.

Jefferies said: "Dawid has a chance for this weekend. We tested him last week with a view to playing against Dundee United but he didn't make it. However, he's had a few more days treatment and should train on Thursday." Turning his mind to his captain, Stewart, Jeffries went on: "We're not sure at the moment but we think there might be a slight tear in the muscle and if that's the case then he's obviously going to struggle for Motherwell."

Stewart's replacement, Paul Mulrooney, has fully recovered from the cramp he suffered on Tayside while Jefferies' injury crisis eased earlier in the week when Andrew Driver, Scott Robinson and Jamie MacDonald all back in training.