Robbie Neilson could have a near-full squad of players at his disposal as Hearts host Raith Rovers in the first of back-to-back meetings with the Stark's Park outfit at Tynecastle this weekend.
Defender Aidy White was given time off before the Jambos' win at Alloa last Saturday with the defender's wife in hospital after giving birth, but is back in consideration for a place in the starting XI.
Craig Wighton may also be in contention for a return to the squad after being left out for the win in Clackmannanshire, while new signing Gary Mackay-Steven could make his first start since arriving on a free transfer earlier this month.
Hearts extended their lead at the top of the Scottish Championship to seven points with their 3-1 success over The Wasps and face Rovers twice in the space of four days with a midweek trip to Kirkcaldy on the horizon.
The game was initially in slight doubt amid the Fife club's COVID-19 outbreak which forced the postponement of their fixture with Inverness last week, but now looks certain to go ahead.
Defender John Souttar remains a long-term injury concern, though Neilson has previously admitted it is unlikely the Gorgie faithful will see the Scotland cap back in action before the end of the campaign.
He is set to be joined on the sidelines by young full back Jamie Brandon, who suffered a season-ending injury in a bounce game shortly after the turn of the year.
“John is back running now and hopefully next week he can do some ball work," Neilson said.
“Unfortunately we have lost Jamie. A fortnight ago he picked up a bad knee injury and will be out for the season.
“He has ruptured his cruciate which is a terrible blow for the kid.
“He twisted his knee in a bounce game and will be operated on next week.”
Predicted line up
Neilson may choose to rotate his team slightly with Saturday's clash kicking off a period of three games in seven days and could throw former Aberdeen, Celtic and Dundee United winger Mackay-Steven in from the start.
A settled back line is unlikely to change, with Stephen Kingsley likely to celebrate his new contract by retaining the left back slot.
Andy Halliday should partner Andy Irving in midfield, with Steven Naismith given a more advanced role in behind Liam Boyce.
Josh Ginnelly celebrated his return from COVID self-isolation with a goal at Alloa and will likely take up his natural position on the left.
Predicted line up in full: Gordon, Kingsley, Berra, Halkett, Smith, Halliday, Irving, Ginnelly, Naismith, Mackay-Steven, Boyce
