Hearts captain Marius Zaliukas facing injury wait

Published on 11/02/2013 12:00

HEARTS fear captain Marius Zaliukas could be sidelined for weeks with the ankle injury he sustained at Tannadice on Saturday. The Lithuanian’s ankle swelled up instantly after he was substituted during the first half of the 3-1 defeat to Dundee United, leaving medical staff concerned about possible ligament damage.

The full extent of the problem will be 
determined by scans, which are difficult to conduct whilst the area is swollen. Zaliukas fell awkwardly in the 19th minute after being barged by United’s Johnny Russell in a challenge for the ball. He went over on the ankle and immediately signalled for medical help before being replaced by Darren Barr.

“It looks like Marius is going to be out for some time, so it’s just as well we’ve got quite a strong squad at the minute,” said John 
McGlynn, the Hearts manager.

“As Marius went for the ball he got a wee nudge and as he landed he went over on his ankle. The doctor put a temporary cast on it but he will need an X-ray or a scan.”

Hearts were due to decide today whether to appeal the red card issued to Ryan Stevenson during Saturday’s game. The midfielder was angered at being ordered off for a sliding 
tackle on Gary Mackay-Steven.