Hibernian playmaker Merouane Zemmama is facing a race against time to be fit for Saturday's Edinburgh derby at Hearts.

Moroccan star Zemmama limped off after just 15 minutes of last weekend's 2-0 Clydesdale Bank Premier League win over Aberdeen with a groin injury.

As well as the concern regarding Zemmama, manager John Hughes revealed he had this week sent a couple of his players home from training to prevent a bug spreading through the squad.

Hughes told the Edinburgh Evening News: "Zouma is struggling a bit - it's touch and go at the moment. The doctors and physios are working round the clock on him and we'll give him every chance.

"We hope he will make it but if he doesn't, it will be someone else. Young Kurtis Byrne came on for Zouma last weekend and, once he found his feet, did very well and supplied a great cross for our opening goal.

"I've said all along that we've been very fortunate with injuries so far this season. I've got a number of players who have had to be very patient as they've waited for an opportunity to play and they'll be champing at the bit."

Hughes, who has been able to name the same starting line-up for the past four matches as Hibs have soared to second in the SPL, added: "We've had one or two sniffles and we immediately told the players concerned to go straight home.

"It's more a precautionary move as we don't want to run the risk of whatever it is spreading. We'll get the boys back together tomorrow and see how things stand."

Lifelong Hibs fan Hughes cannot wait for his first taste of an Edinburgh derby in the managerial hotseat.

He told Hibernian TV: "I'm desperate to go there and pick up the three points, no doubt about that.

"I know exactly what this means to the supporters, the game has been sold out for two weeks, and having a free week after the game it's even more important because I know they will be looking for the bragging rights around the city.

"I'm desperate to deliver that but I'm the manager of Hibernian and I have to ensure that we go there with our tactics bang-on.

"We need to be disciplined beyond any normal rules."