Hearts youngster Callumn Morrison will face time on the sidelines if he is forced to undergo surgery on a troublesome knee.
The 19-year-old winger has been struggling with a cartilage issue and pulled out of the Scotland U21 squad due to personal issues.
Morrison has played 35 times for Craig Levein's men this season and his manager admits he's hoping he can push until the end of the season before going under the knife.
Hearts have had more than their fair share of injury problems this season with Christophe Berra, John Souttar, Peter Haring, Uche Ikpeazu and Steven Naismith all suffering lengthy absences this campaign.
Levein said: “It’s an ongoing problem and he will get something done about that in the summer. If he requires surgery then he will get it.
“He has a little tear in his cartilage but it’s sat down and isn’t causing him any bother just now. Sometimes it can be irritating but thankfully he is fine just now.
“I’ve been pleased with him this season. He is quite an uncomplicated boy.
“He isn’t going to grow much more in height but he can fill out a little bit and become stronger to improve himself.”
Levein, meanwhile, is weighing up a move for Cletus Nombil after the Ghanian midfielder played as a trialist in a closed doors friendly against Queen of the South at the weekend.
The 18-year-old is contracted to Dreams FC in his country’s top-flight but has been actively trying to secure a deal in Europe.
Visa issues reportedly cut short a loan move to Sparta Prague this season and Nombil has recently been training with AIK Stockholm in Sweden.
Hearts, who host Aberdeen this weekend, lost Saturday’s clash 2-1 after Stephen Dobbie notched a brace. Chris Hamilton score for Levein’s side.
