Hearts' Bouzid in running for squad against Aberdeen

The Algerian defender was rejoining his team-mates in a session at Riccarton this morning and is hopeful manager Jim Jefferies will see fit to include him in the squad for Pittodrie.

Bouzid has not played since Hearts' Co-operative Cup semi-final defeat to St Mirren at the start of the month, but Jefferies revealed today he has a chance of being fit this weekend.

"Bouzid will be training with us today, it's too early to say for Saturday but at least he can start training again," said Jefferies.

"He came off with the pulled hamstring against St Mirren but we know he's a good, solid player. We'll wait and see what happens."

Jefferies was also hopeful that Suso Santana, who suffered a thigh knock against Hamilton last Sunday, would return to training today but he admitted Andy Driver and Craig Thomson are still rehabilitating after injury. "Suso is still feeling his thigh, which is swollen, but the physio is hopeful he might train. He did say to me last week that we might have four or five people back by this time next week.

"Driver is still not training with us, he's going to be a couple of weeks yet. Craig Thomson isn't too far away so we're hopeful of more improvement with injuries after the game this weekend."

Michael Stewart will return from a two-match suspension against Aberdeen, and Jefferies has urged his squad to be ready for the rigours of three consecutive away matches at Pittodrie, Tannadice and Fir Park.

"They are three tough away games but I don't think you get any games in the Premier League that are easy. We are trying to build a late run to get as close as possible to the top six."