Beni Baningime continues to make progress in his recovery from injury and it is hoped he will be part of the Heart of Midlothian squad to face Rangers on Sunday.
The midfielder has been absent since the start of November with a hamstring strain, missing the last six games.
Baningime stepped up his recovery last week and the aim is for him to return to full training at the end of the week. Provided he is able to take part and come through those final sessions unscathed, he is likely to return to the squad for Sunday's fixture at Tynecastle Park.
The 27-year-old has formed a formidable midfield partnership with Cammy Devlin, the pair starting eight games in a row with Hearts winning seven.
In the last two games, wins over Celtic and Falkirk, Derek McInnes has gone with a midfield three with Tomas Magnusson and Oisin McEntee joining Devlin in what has been an effective trio.
Fellow midfield colleague Calem Nieuwenhof is also making progress in his return from injury. However, the Rangers match is likely to come too soon for the Australian.
The 24-year-old has been limited to just four appearances in the League Cup at the start of the season. Since picking up a long-term hamstring injury in March 2024, Nieuwenhof has dealt with issues since. It is hoped that once he returns, he will have put them behind him.
There is also positive news for Finlay Pollock. He was back out on the grass, continuing his work with the physios this week.
While he remains two or three weeks from returning to training, the 21-year-old has remained in good spirits. The hope is that his recovery continues on a positive trajectory without any setbacks.
Pollock has had a torrid time with injury in the last few years, including a broken foot and patellar tendon issues. A successful loan spell at Raith Rovers was cut short in April due to a hamstring injury and he suffered a setback in August as he was building back up and looking to be involved in McInnes' plans.
Meanwhile, there is no lasting issue with Harry Milne's thigh issue that saw him replaced during the second half of the win over Falkirk.
The left-back had passed a fitness test to play in the game and he will sit out this weekend's game due to suspension after picking up his sixth yellow card of the Scottish Premiership season in the win over Celtic.
