Paulo hopes Webster is fit to face Dons

Hearts manager Paulo Sergio is eager for Andy Webster to return from injury against Aberdeen today to help alleviate defensive problems within the Tynecastle squad.

The 29-year-old has suffered with a groin complaint which has restricted him to just eight minutes of competitive action this season. He has a chance of featuring in this afternoon's SPL match after medical scans came back clear.

Webster trained in midweek although he complained of pain afterwards. Sergio is short on defensive cover and Eggert Jonsson has deputised at the back in recent weeks, but he may be required in central midfield today with Ian Black beginning a two-game suspension.

Full-back Danny Grainger has been allowed time off this week with his wife due to give birth, further disrupting Sergio's preparations.

"Webster trained with the group on Wednesday and did all the training, but after the session he was complaining a little bit," Sergio told the Evening News. "I'm not sure if he can play or not, we will wait. He has a pain in his muscle but the scan did not show anything. We are hopeful.

"We must wait to see his recovery because we don't have enough central defenders to solve our problems. We only have Marius and Eggert, and Eggert is adapting in that position because he is not a central defender.

"We have to find the solutions but it is not an easy job because we are working without so many injured players. Others have been playing with their national teams this week. I want people with a strong mentality fighting for the result this weekend. We need everybody but we are having some problems."