Injuries could keep Kyle and Skacel out of Hearts' clash with Dundee United

Skacel, suffering from a small tear in his calf, missed last night's Scottish Cup defeat by St Johnstone and will be rested as a precaution this weekend as club medics strive to minimise the extent of his injury.

Kyle is to have a groin problem scanned to determine his fitness for the Dundee United match after limping out of last night's encounter. He was substituted during the second half and will have his groin assessed by doctors over the next 24 hours.

"It was a gamble to play Kevin, he wasn't 100 per cent," revealed Jim Jefferies, the Hearts manager. "He took a wee injection but as he sat down at half-time it stiffened up. He tried to run it off but it was still aggravating him. We know how vital he is. He is a big threat and it would've given St Johnstone a lift if he had missed the game.

"It's too early to say for the weekend. The groin problem isn't in his movement, it's more when he makes contact with the ball that it's jarring a bit. We'll have it scanned and see if there's any major damage. We don't think there is but we'll do it as a precaution anyway."

Jefferies explained that Skacel is likely to be left out at Tannadice to ensure his readiness for a punishing schedule of matches lying ahead. Last night's fixture began a period of seven games in 22 days for Hearts.

"I would think Rudi won't be available for Saturday. There are some big matches coming round the corner. They're all big games but there is a tough programme and we've got to make sure he is right. I think Saturday will just come a bit too early for him.

"It's just a rest he needs which should clear it up. It's only a small tear. He played against Hibs because he had a clear week beforehand but he just aggravated it a wee bit. That's the danger but it's nothing major. It's the type of thing that can die down in a week or two weeks and he could be fit and raring to go again. That's what we're planning on."