Hearts manager Daniel Stendel gives injury update on Michael Smith, Aaron Hickey and Uche Ikpeazu

Hearts manager Daniel Stendel is doubtful over the fitness of Michael Smith and Aaron Hickey for Wednesday's critical league visit to Ross County.

Both defenders will have their injuries assessed again at Riccarton today, however striker Uche Ikpeazu could be available.

Smith and Hickey were forced off with knocks during the first half of Saturday's 5-0 Scottish Cup fourth round victory over Airdrieonians.

With only four days to recover, Stendel is doubtful if they will make the match in the Highlands.

Ikpeazu pulled up in the warm-up prior to the match and had his place on the substitutes' bench taken by Steven MacLean.

"I think Uche is not so big a problem and he should be able to play on Wednesday," Stendel told the Evening News.

"We should know more about Hickey and Smith later on Monday. I am not really sure if they can play on Wednesday. I hope so but the feeling is not so positive."

Hearts will head north sitting bottom of the Premiership and desperate to close the five-point gap to second-bottom Hamilton Academical - who play Hibs at Easter Road the same evening.