Newcastle Jets set to miss star defenders Kew Jaliens, Connor Chapman for Heart clash Connor Chapman shields the ball from Marcelo Carrusca of Adelaide. Pic: Sarah Reed Source: News Corp Australia NEWCASTLE Jets have been hit with a double blow ahead of Sunday's clash against Melbourne Heart at Hunter Stadium with central defenders Kew Jaliens and Connor Chapman both out of the clash. Jaliens' omission is self-inflicted. He was handed a one-game suspension after being red carded in last weekend's win over Brisbane. Chapman will be missing after picking up a minor ankle ligament tear, forcing coach Gary van Egmond to re-adjust his defensive line. While Van Egmond says he is yet to finalise his central pairing, Taylor Regan will get an opportunity with his partner likely to be Josh Mitchell. Connor won't play. His ankle is not going to be right and I'm not going to risk a young boy so we'll have to make changes there," the coach said. Van Egmond was also keeping his cards close to his chest about his intentions for marquee striker Emile Heskey. Heskey has come off the bench during wins over Adelaide and Brisbane but is getting closer and closer to a starting role. But the good form of young striker Adam Taggart has given Van Egmond the luxury of giving Heskey as much time as possible to regain full fitness after a pre-season knee injury. Van Egmond recognises the under-performing Heart will be a challenging proposition, even without the injured Harry Kewell. "They are going to be desperate," he said. They need to get their season on track sooner rather than later so we are expecting a very difficult game.