Dunfermline's injury problems are continuing, with Andrew Barrowman ruled out after a recent operation to remove his appendix.
The Pars are already without Jason Thomson, as a gentleman's agreement forbids the on-loan Hearts full-back from turning out against his parent club.
Nick Phinn, Martin Hardie and Kevin Rutkiewicz are all making good progress according to manager Jim McIntyre, but the encounter against the Jambos comes to soon for any of the Fifers' sidelined stars.
Hearts midfielder David Obua (thigh) is doubtful for the trip to Fife.
Winger Andrew Driver could return to the squad, though, after being troubled by a knee injury.
Marian Kello is pushing for a return from a shoulder injury while Calum Elliot is not fit despite recovering from knee surgery earlier than anticipated.
Dunfermline (from): Gallacher, McCann, Keddie, Dowie, Potter, Mason, Burns, Easton, Graham, R Thomson, Cardle, Kirk, Smith, Boyle, Willis, Byrne, Leslie, Young.
Hearts (from): MacDonald, Hamill, Grainger, Webster, Zaliukas, Mrowiec, Jonsson, Driver, Black, Stevenson, Taouil, Templeton, Robinson, Skacel, Novikovas, Smith, Elliott, Balogh.
