Valdas Ivanauskas said he needed more time off

Ivanauskas was given two weeks leave due to ill-health and was set to return to Tynecastle next week.

"I have a medical examination next Tuesday and I will know more after that," he told Edinburgh Evening News.

Meanwhile, Hearts captain Steven Pressley says the issues that led to him making a public statement over the club's affairs remain unresolved.

Pressley wants Hearts to show unity against Celtic

The players, who said there was unrest in the dressing-room, have yet to hold the talks they want with owner Vladimir Romanov.

"We want to move together and move the club forward in the right direction and I believe that will happen," said Pressley.

I don't think I will be back as early as next week Hearts manager Valdas Ivanauskas

"There are a number of issues that I made clear the players aren't happy about.

"But they could be quite easily resolved and, when they are resolved, I am sure this club will move forward hand in hand with Mr Romanov.

"People must understand this is not Mr Romanov's sole business interest, he has a number of other things he is involved in.

"He is a very busy man, but I am sure he is very keen to resolve these issues and I am sure, in the weeks ahead, they will be."

Steven Pressley said talks with Romanov had not yet been held

Interim coach Edward Malofeev, who is preparing for Saturday's visit to Celtic, has insisted that his team selection will not be influenced by Romanov.

He said: "I don't know about the influences before, I wasn't here, but what I want to say is that, while I am here as the head coach, I will pick the team.

"It is the head coach who manages the team, Romanov's role is more on the financial side.

"I will take advice from other coaches and medical staff, but I have the last word."

Ivanauskas, who was granted a break after the home defeat to Kilmarnock, said: "I am feeling better, but not 100%. I'm not ready yet.

"I don't think I will be back as early as next week. I have a medical examination next Tuesday and I will know more after that.

"I could return after that, but I need the doctors' opinions. They say I am okay and looking good but we need time.

"My health is very important because it was so much stress last time. I hope my health improves soon and I hope then I can come back."

Romanov threatened to sell some of his players if they failed to beat Dunfermline last week in the SPL - the teams drew 1-1.