Robbie Neilson is mulling over internal options to provide cover at right back for Hearts.
An enquiry had been made to a Premiership club about taking one on loan, but with a response not yet forthcoming, a new face looks unlikely.
That will come as a blow with the potential for Michael Smith to be missing on international duty next month.
Smith is the only right back at Neilson’ s disposal with Jamie Brandon injured and Cammy Logan out on loan at Cove Rangers.
The club are reluctant to recall Logan before they know when League One might restart, so are considering how they can utilise existing members of the squad.
Depending on quarantine protocols, Smith may have to isolate if he heads to Italy with Northern Ireland, which mean he would miss the Championship fixture against Queen of the South on 27 March and potentially the trip to Dunfermline on 3 April.
“We just wanted a bit of cover but it has to be done by the end of the month," he told the Edinburgh Evening News.
“We aren’t sure yet exactly what will happen with Michael. We aren't sure what the rules will be on quarantine because players might need to isolate coming back from certain countries. It depends where Italy is on the list at the time.
“It's not ideal if he misses a game for us but we have a few boys who could play that position. Popescu can go there, and either Aidy White or Stephen Kingsley could swap over to the right.
“Cammy Logan might be able to come in. We could cancel his loan and bring him back but the plan is not to do that at the moment. It just depends if the lower leagues are restarting.”
The Jambos could also be without Craig Gordon if Steve Clarke includes him in his next Scotland squad.
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