Hearts manager Jim Jefferies is not expecting to have Ruben Palazuelos available for around six weeks, he revealed today.

The 26-year-old was hurt in the recent game against Aberdeen at Tynecastle in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League, limping out of the action with a knee injury.

The midfielder travelled to London last week to consult a specialist and was told to rest for three weeks before considering a return to training.

"Ruben has been to see a specialist and isn't to do anything for three weeks," said the Tynecastle boss. "Hopefully the rest he gets will help but he certainly will be missing for at least five or six weeks."

Teenager striker Scott Robinson is another player facing an extended period on the sidelines, with Jim confirming the youngster is also likely to be out for six weeks

Andrew Driver, meanwhile, looks likely to miss Wednesday's league clash with Celtic at Parkhead.

The winger suffered a reaction to his knee problem during the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final defeat to St Mirren at Fir Park last Tuesday and may not be risked against Tony Mowbray's men.

"Andrew has had a wee reaction," said Jim. "The pitch wasn't the best for someone coming back from an injury like that. But he's improving as the days go on. It looked like he could be out for a couple of weeks but he says he's feeling better."

JJ gave the players Saturday off before focusing attention on Wednesday's trip to the east end of Glasgow and he told Hearts News he's been pleased by the response of the players in training.

"We'll take time to get to know what makes the players tick and how to get the best out of them," he said. "But in the last few sessions we have had they have responded well.

"I think one or two who were out of the picture know it's a fresh start for everybody and it has given them a little boost and there's a buzz about them again."

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