Hearts boss Jim Jefferies today revealed he hopes to have Suso back fit for the New Year.

The Spaniard, who has been in great form this season, had a cartilage operation on Saturday and with the surgery going well, JJ reckons the wide man could be back pushing for a place with a couple of months.

"Suso had the operation last Saturday and it was pretty straight forward," he said.

"As sometimes happens with these things they didn't know just how much had to be done until they had a look inside. A wee bit more than expected was done and I'd say we're looking at around six or seven weeks for him.

"We knew he was going to have to get something done eventually but the good thing is that with David Templeton doing so well, we can afford to have Suso on the sidelines for a period at the moment."

Jason Thomson remains a doubt for the game against Hamilton on Saturday with an ankle knock, while David Obua, Lee Wallace and Andrew Driver miss out again.

On Hearts.TV today, watch JJ's pre-match press conference IN FULL from Riccarton.