Hearts were handed a blow this lunchtime with the news that Marian Kello faces a spell on the sidelines.

The Slovakian goalkeeper injured his wrist in training earlier in the week, and fears that the 27-year-old might have sustained a fracture have been realised.

Marian had an MRI scan yesterday afternoon and manager Jim Jefferies learnt the results after this morning's pre-match news conference, although the outcome is not as serious as it perhaps sounds.

"He will obviously miss out this weekend against Aberdeen," Jim told Hearts News, having earlier revealed to the media he was waiting for the medical report to arrive with news of the extent of Marian's injury.

"We'll be assessing next week to see exactly how long he'll be out for. The good news is it is not a serious fracture at all, it's really pretty minor - right at the top of the wrist -, so hopefully he'll be back, soon."

Janos Balogh is certain to start this weekend with Mark Ridgers on the bench. U19 goalkeeper Dean Lyness could come into contention for a slot in the travelling squad.

Before all that, Jim confirmed at his news conference that Suso Santana is rated as "doubtful" for the trip to Pittodrie with a thigh injury.

Ismael Bouzid could come back into contention, having trained this morning for the first time since picking up a hamstring problem against St Mirren in the Co-operative Insurance Cup semi-final.

After missing last weekend's win over Hamilton with an ankle knock, Gary Glen is also back and available for selection, as is suspension-free Michael Stewart.

Ian Black is definitely out, his knee injury having failed to recover.

Also missing with injuries will be Andrew Driver (knee), Craig Thomson (knee), Scott Robinson (knee), Jonathan Stewart (knee), and Jamie MacDonald (ankle).

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On Hearts.TV today - Watch Jim give this week's news conference and catch Dawid Kucharski, too