Hearts are determined to bring defender Stephen Kingsley back into the first team fold next month after losing one of their best performing players of the campaign to a groin issue.
The 26-year-old has been a notable absentee during a difficult period in which Robbie Neilson’s side suffered Scottish Cup humiliation at the hands of Brora Rangers and a surprise Championship defeat to Queen of the South at Tynecastle.
The left back limped off in the goalless draw with Arbroath nine days ago to be replaced by Jamie Walker and has not featured since.
The Jambos have also been without first choice counterpart Michael Smith on the right hand side, with the Northern Irish international on duty with his country.
Neilson is desperate to bring the former Falkirk and Swansea City man back as soon as possible, though admitted the club and their medical staff are treading a fine line as they look to avoid rushing his return bid.
Hearts face Dunfermline at East End Park on Saturday, but it may be in the weeks following that clash in which Kingsley is fit enough to return.
Neilson told the Edinburgh Evening News : “Potentially, it might be Alloa or maybe the game after that.
“We're desperate to get him back. The prognosis was around four weeks and he's missed one now so we'll see how he goes.”
Kingsley has been in impressive form since arriving at Tynecastle on a free transfer from Hull City last summer, scoring five times in 26 games.
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