Hull City head into the new campaign with no fewer than eight players ruled out for manager Sergej Jakirovic due to injury, with some issues dating back to last term.
The club’s injury situation continues to worry the Croatian coach, particularly following a spate of problems sustained during pre-season preparations. The club’s injury troubles have even affected transfer targets, with Tim Iroegbunam picking up an injury just days before he was due to arrive at the MKM Stadium.
Jakirovic will be hoping circumstances improve, and once the season gets underway, the problems that plagued the Tigers last year can be resolved.
Here’s a look at those players who will be absent when Manchester United visit this weekend….
Jack Butland
The goalkeeper remains on the sidelines after having surgery on an arm injury sustained in training ahead of City’s second-to-last summer friendly in Frankfurt. Butland is not anticipated to return until the end of the calendar year, potentially early in the new year, depending on his rehabilitation progress.
Charlie Hughes
The club remain uncertain about the next steps for their key defender, but he will sit out the start of the campaign. Following double hernia surgery during the summer, Hughes has not featured since the opening week of pre-season training. The 23-year-old was scheduled to travel to Dublin for a further assessment of the issue’s severity.
Elliot Matazo
The dynamic midfielder looks set to miss most of the season once more. After making his comeback from an ACL problem against Charlton Athletic in the penultimate Championship fixture, Matazo sustained another ACL injury. He has undergone knee surgery and faces a lengthy recovery.
Darko Gyabi
After sustaining a detached abductor muscle during the pre-season tour of Slovenia, Gyabi faces another three-month absence, which represents a significant setback for the player.
The midfielder, who arrived from Leeds United last summer, had shown promise during pre-season, but now faces a race against time to recover and become available before the festive period.
Hidemasa Morita
The Japan international joined with a calf complaint and has only recently resumed training with the issue, hoping to make his first appearance in a Tigers shirt against Stoke City in the Carabao Cup next Tuesday evening.
Oscar Zambrano
Perhaps predictably, following several encouraging friendly performances after his transfer from Maribor, the Ecuadorian suffered a hamstring problem, which has kept him sidelined for approximately a month. That occurred a few weeks ago, so he is now on the mend, though a loan move appears likely once the club’s transfer activity is concluded.
Joe Gelhardt
The popular striker joined with an ankle issue, which is set to keep him out for a couple of weeks, though he is expected to return to training towards the end of the month, or certainly at the start of September.
Matty Jacob
Like Gyabi, Jacob sustained an injury in the opening pre-season fixture against Konyaspor, complaining of a hip problem, and has been absent ever since as the club works to address the issue.