Without Regan Slater and Eliot Matazo, City could do without losing another key player for the run-in
Matt Crooks was booked by Craig Pawson in the defeat by Stoke City on New Year’s Day(Image: Pro Sports Images)
Matt Crooks is at risk of another suspension, which would come as a hammer blow to Hull City in the remaining weeks of the Championship season, as they look to secure a play-off place.
Crooks only returned from a two-game suspension for collecting 10 yellow cards in the defeat at West Brom on March 14, but was booked early in the second half at The Hawthorns.
The experienced playmaker also picked up another caution in the win over Sheffield Wednesday just six minutes into the second period, having netted a fine equaliser against the Owls to help City to a vital 3-1 win.
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That booking was Crooks’ third in as many games, and 12th of the season, which means he’s just three more away from what would be a three-game ban for accumulating 15.
With only seven games left of the regular season, City can ill-afford to lose Crooks to what would be a third suspension of the season, at a time when they need his creativity, experience and goal threat.
Crucially, if Crooks were to pick up his 15th booking in the final game of the season at home to Norwich City, he would not be suspended for a potential play-off semi-final and final, though a disciplinary commission does have the power to suspend a player for the semi-final and potential final should a red card be involved..
The 32-year-old has been a hugely influential figure this term, scoring four times and notching up three assists in his 24 league appearances for the Tigers.
Thankfully for City, Crooks is the closest to a suspension, with skipper Lewie Coyle next in line with nine bookings, and then John Lundstram on eight.
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