Pressley has made 20 appearances for Hearts this season

The defender's contract expires in the summer, but he has a clause which states that if he plays 25 matches he automatically earns another year.

Pressley has not trained with his team-mates since last Thursday.

And Premier League rules state that the maximum period a player can be suspended for is four weeks.

Ivanauskas still silent on captain Pressley

Hearts have yet to explain the reason for Pressley's banishment and the player has also remained silent on the matter.

Pressley, in late October, voiced his concerns about squad unrest under the regime of club owner Vladimir Romanov.

And he was not selected to face Falkirk on 13 November and was an unused substitute against Rangers - which led to protests from supporters.

Pressley appeared to patch up his relationship with the club when he was recalled to face Inverness.

But he did not travel with the squad for last weekend's 2-2 draw at St Mirren and has been told not to return to Hearts' training complex at Riccarton.