The Tigers will be without two more players for this weekend’s Yorkshire derby
Lewie Coyle’s ankle was damaged at West Brom last weekend (Image: Stuart Leggett/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Image)
Lewie Coyle will miss Saturday’s Yorkshire derby with Sheffield Wednesday, but it’s hoped the Hull City skipper will be fit to return to action after the international break.
Coyle’s ongoing ankle issue flared up at West Brom last weekend after he was on the end of a heavy challenge, 10 days on from the first knock he took at Ipswich Town.
Boss Sergej Jakirovic had feared the worst when Coyle limped off in the first half on Saturday and left The Hawthorns wearing a protective boot, but an MRI scan revealed no lasting damage, just heavy bruising.
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The captain will not be involved against the Owls, but with the international break to come before City return to action at Oxford United on Good Friday, it’s expected he’ll be fine to take part in the crucial Easter weekend.
City will also be without the suspended Charlie Hughes for the visit of the already relegated Owls, after the club’s appeal against his one-game ban was rejected, as revealed by Hull Live on Tuesday.
Jakirovic has no other concerns from last weekend’s game, and will still be without Ryan Giles, Eliot Matazo, Matty Jacob, Yu Hirakawa and Akin Famewo, in addition to Hughes and Coyle.
“I must say that in Croatia, when you get a red card, it’s automatically two games,” Jakirovic told Hull Live. “That was the reason why I said we will appeal for it to be at least one. When I found out it’s only one game, OK, we send the appeal, but this is a red card, we must respect that, and we will be without Charlie.
“There are a lot of players who are waiting for their opportunity, and they must prove on the pitch that they have the quality to play in the Hull City team.
“There is no fracture (in Coyle’s ankle). There is some damage from this (latest) kick. His ankle is purple completely because he did everything to be on the pitch in the last two games, but now he will rest this week.”
For the first time in a month, City have had no midweek game, which has given them a chance to reflect on a bad day in the Black Country last week, and rest weary legs – and minds, and with the weather turning warmer, it’s been a good week in Cottingham.
“Yes, the weather is very nice,” the Croatian added. “We have used this week to recover well, to prepare tactically some things for Sheffield Wednesday. We must do everything to take three points on Saturday.
“It’s been very nice (to have a clear week). In the last three weeks, we’ve had seven games. Our recovery has been good, and I hope we will be ready for Saturday.
“Of course, we have some issues, especially the left full-back position, so we have also used this week to find the best option for us, so tomorrow (Friday) we will decide who will be this player and then off we go.”
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