The Tigers could be handed a big shot in the arm after Saturday’s fine win on the road
Hull City hope to have both Oli McBurnie and Liam Millar back in training early this week, in what will be a major boost to the Tigers ahead of Friday night’s home meeting with Middlesbrough.
Both players were again missing alongside Charlie Hughes, Cody Drameh, Kasey Palmer and Eliot Matazo for Saturday’s terrific 2-1 win at play-off rivals Stoke City.
McBurnie has not played since the second half of the win at Birmingham City on October 18 after struggling with a calf problem, while Millar’s comeback from ACL surgery was cut short when he picked up a hamstring injury shortly after coming off the bench late on in the draw with former club Charlton Athletic on October 25.
City boss Sergej Jakirovic is keen to tread carefully with both players after their respective spells out, especially given the number of games to come over the festive period, which kicks off under the MKM Stadium lights.
Both Millar and McBurnie will be assessed this week before a decision is made over whether or not to include the influential pair on Friday night, but if they’re not deemed fit enough, Jakirovic expects them to be available for the visit of Wrexham the following Wednesday night.
“Oli and Liam (should be back in training this week),” Jakirovic said. “For Oli and Liam, we are aiming for Middlesbrough, but we will see. If it’s not Middlesbrough, then it’s one hundred per cent for Wrexham.
“Yes, they have a big desire to help the team, but also I know what it is like when you have been without real training for six, seven or eight weeks, so he will need the time for sure, but it’s a big boost because he’s truly a leader.”
The Tigers boss was also full of praise for the way in which his side recovered after a poor first half which saw them trail 1-0 to Sorba Thomas’ stunning volley, before recovering with a much-improved second half showing.
“I know this league, I know already, I have learned a lot, because every point you must earn on the pitch. It’s a very difficult league, no matter who you play against, where you’re playing.
“You know this fight. Every three days we’re fighting. We are all searching for new energy, new freshness, because we had some problems before this game, but yes, I’m very proud of the lads because this is a big boost for us.”
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