Two key Hearts midfield players – Oisin McEntee and Tomas Magnusson – will miss the rest of the season through injury.
The pair have made over 50 appearances for the club this term, but McEntee has a hamstring problem and Magnusson tweaked his thigh in training.
However, versatile Harry Milne (pictured) could make Sunday’s first game after the split and that is at Easter Road on Sunday against arch rivals Hibs.
The current position is that the Jambos are a point clear of Rangers and Celtic, the defending champions, are three points adrift.
Derek McInnes, Hearts’ head coach, is looking forward to the final five games of the season and he added: “Every game will be competitive.”
