Hearts midfielder Glenn Whelan is set to miss out against Aberdeen in his side's final match before the winter shutdown.
The 35-year-old was absent for the Boxing Day defeat to Hibs leading to speculation surrounding his long-term Tynecastle future with his side at the foot of the Premiership table.
And boss Daniel Stendel 's response when asked if the Republic of Ireland international will play against the Dons will raise further eyebrows.
He said: "I think he will not be in (against Aberdeen)."
And when asked to elaborate on what the future holds for the Hearts midfielder, Stendel added: "We will see. We are talking with him, but at the moment I changed the squad a little from last Saturday."
Whelan joined Hearts as a free agent in the summer and has made 17 appearances in all competitions for the Jambos but he was a notable absentee from the squad for the Edinburgh derby.
And Stendel, who has lost four consecutive games since taking the reins at Tynecastle, knows full well how important an upturn in results is.
He added: "This is the most difficult moment for me in my career as a coach."
When you take things and they are not easy then you learn the most.
"You can improve the most from a situation like this.
"For me, this is a new moment and I can only say I like to improve myself and I will do it. What I need are players who want to do it also."
