Peter Haring is poised for a return against Rangers after the Hearts midfielder resumed full training.
But the Jambos are still sweating over the fitness of Steven Naismith and Jamie Walker for Sunday’s clash.
Haring has not featured since exacerbating a pelvis complaint in May’s Scottish Cup Final defeat to Celtic.
However, the Austrian has emerged unscathed from training this week and is firmly in contention for a comeback when the league leaders visit Tynecastle.
Hearts’ medical staff will make a late judgment on the availability of Naismith, who remains a doubt as he battles back from a persistent hamstring injury.
The 33-year-old has been restricted to 78 minutes of action since signing a four-year deal in the summer.
Walker was also hopeful of being back in training in time for the Rangers clash after suffering a fractured leg against Motherwell two months ago. He recently resumed running at Hearts’ Riccarton training base.
It is understood manager Craig Levein will give him every opportunity to prove himself in the coming days and, like Naismith, will decide later this week whether to consider the former Wigan playmaker.
