Hibernian boss Jack Ross revealed he was 'optimistic' of having one of wing pair Jamie Murphy and Drey Wright back in time to face Hearts in Saturday's rescheduled Scottish Cup semi-final..
The duo picked up injuries in Betfred Cup action earlier this month and have missed wins over Forfar Athletic and Kilmarnock as well as the goalless draw at Ross County.
Lewis Stevenson limped off at half-time in the 1-0 win at Rugby Park and made the return journey to Edinburgh in a protective boot.
Post-match, Ross insisted that was simply a precautionary measure, though it is feared the injury may be slightly more serious than initially thought.
However, having either Murphy or Wright back for the all-Edinburgh showdown in Glasgow could be a huge boost to the Hibees' chances of finally getting one over their nearest rivals at the national stadium.
Murphy was replaced in the second half of the win over Brora Rangers while Wright went off at the break of the 2-1 victory at Cove Rangers three days later.
Ross said: "I'm hopeful, we hope that them not being available [for Kilmarnock] has given them an opportunity. I'd like to think we'll have at least one of them back if not both, we'll have to see how the week progresses.
"I would be confident going into the game we would have a few more options."
Stevenson started for the fifth straight game at Rugby Park with breakthrough star Josh Doig only returning from his period in self-isolation on Thursday.
However the veteran full back, making his 492nd appearance in green and white, was replaced by the teenager at the break and left Ayrshire in a 'moon boot'.
Ross added: "Lewis is just precautionary, he rolled his ankle towards the end of the first half.
"The one thing about Lewy is he is a proper warrior and if he is able to be fit he will be, but we'll see how he settles down over the next two to three days
