Laurent Mendy: Hearts are working on signings after Forest Green Rovers rejected an offer for the midfielder

Banningame appeared to suffer a knock during Saturday’s Scottish Cup loss to Falkirk while McInnes revealed that fellow midfielder Thomas Bent Magnusson was a “little doubt”.

“We have some concerns,” the manager said. “We’re still hoping we can get one or two in. Hopefully, Agio and McEntee will be back on the training ground on Friday and training fully.

“It’s been a tough week. You should be grateful that you’re in the January window and you can still act on it. At least we’re actively trying to mitigate some of the concerns we have and hope that’s the case.”

“We still have a lot to do in the team. I have to stress that.”

Asked if he would consider bringing players out of position to fill gaps in the midfield, McInnes said: “You have to look at everything.”

Hearts confirmed on Tuesday that they will have to do without captain and Scottish striker Lawrence Shankland for up to eight weeks after the 30-year-old was forced off with a hamstring injury against Falkirk.

Elton Kabango, Pierre Landry Kabore and James Wilson are available, along with regular striker Claudio Braga, while a deal has been agreed to sign Ugandan striker Rogers Mathu, 22.

McInnes explained: “Hopefully we can get Mato involved at the weekend, but if not, at least we know he will come this month, which is good work by the club we negotiated.”

“It will definitely help us in the second part of the season.”