The news is not so black for Lee Wallace as first feared and he could be back in action within three months instead of the original estimate of six. Wallace was the victim of a tough challenge in Tuesday night's international against Liechtenstein where he tore a posterior cruciate ligament. Jim Jefferies was preparing himself for losing his preferred left-back for a minimum of six months but has since heard promising news from Wallace's consultant. He said: "The medical people have told us that they don't think an operation is required. Normally when you tear a cruciate ligament there is other damage and a lot of other issues but this doesn't appear to be the case with Lee. They are talking about him being in a splint for four weeks and then taking the rehab from there and he could be back in 12 weeks. This is massive news for us, although we won't have it confirmed for sure until Lee sees the specialist next week. Fingers crossed their initial thoughts are correct. This is more encouraging for us and a big boost for the lad, as being out for 10 to 12 weeks is better than the 24 which we all thought."
The first game Wallace will miss is Saturday's against Celtic at Parkhead, meaning Jefferies will be without two of his first-choice defence. Marius Zaliukas is still out with a knee problem, and is distracted by contract negotiations with majority shareholder Vladimir Romanov with his loan from FBK Kaunas due to expire in December. Both injured men play key roles within the club and first team as they are captain and vice-captain. The fact they will be be missing means that the armband could well go to Eggert Jonsson on Saturday. Wallace's place at left-back could go to midfielder Ruben Palazuelos, who is prepared to play wherever he is asked. He said: "I prefer to play in midfield, but I have played left-back. Last year, when I played there, I played okay. But it's a decision for the manager. I will play there - it's better than nothing."
While the future for Wallace now appears to be brighter, there remains ongoing uncertainty over Zaliukas. The Lithuanian has denied claims he was looking for £20,000 a week to sign a new deal and insisted he hoped the situation would soon be resolved. Jefferies has called for Zaliukas to do his utmost to extend his stay in Edinburgh. The Hearts boss said: "A bit of it is in Marius's own hands as well - he's got to want to stay here and he's got to want to agree terms." Zaliukas held discussions with Romanov in Lithuania during the international break, but it appears they are no neared a satisfactory conclusion. The defender was at Hearts' Edinburgh training ground for treatment, but is unavailable as Jefferies' side take their unbeaten record to Parkhead tomorrow. Jefferies said: "He's back over today to get treatment. I don't think the situation's changed. He's locked in talks with them - he's a Kaunas player and until that's resolved we'll have to wait and see. I've just got to get on with things here."
The news is not so black for Lee Wallace as first feared and he could be back in action within three months instead of the original estimate of six. Wallace was the victim of a tough challenge in Tuesday night's international against Liechtenstein where he tore a posterior cruciate ligament. Jim Jefferies was preparing himself for losing his preferred left-back for a minimum of six months but has since heard promising news from Wallace's consultant. He said: "