Hull still have ten players out to injury.
Hull FC centre Arthur Romano. (Image: SW PIX)
Hull FC haven’t ruled out any long-term player returns for Thursday’s Super League game at Huddersfield Giants – but have lost young half-back Callum Kemp for the rest of the season.
The 19-year-old missed last week’s reserves game against Warrington Wolves with a shoulder issue and won’t play again this year.
On a lighter note, Hull suffered no fresh injuries in Thursday’s derby against Hull KR and will hope to have Yusuf Aydin back in the fold. The forward has trained this week and is on course to pass all of his return-to-play protocols following a head knock.
Elsewhere, interim head coach Andy Last and co will assess whether some of their long-term absentees will be ready to feature against the Giants. The likes of Arthur Romano, Connor Bailey, and Ligi Sao have all been in training in recent weeks and were namechecked a fortnight ago as potential August returns. The club will assess the risks in the coming days before making a decision early next week.
Asked if anyone is coming back for Huddersfield, Last said: “There are no fresh injuries, so we’ll have a look, assess the squad, and do an injury clinic and recovery session. We’ll then decide what the best makeup of the team and the squad is for Huddersfield.
“It’s going to be a big game. They’re desperate for a win and we’re desperate for a win. It’s very similar to when we played against them six or seven weeks ago.”
On the importance of recovery this weekend, Last continued: “The derby takes so much out of you physically. There was so much emotion. And shots. The first shot and the big hit Hugo (Salabio) put on Jesse Sue – it was a big collision; you could hear it above all the noise.
“We’ll have to freshen them up and try to get them up, not only physically but emotionally as well. It’s an important game against Huddersfield, and we need to lick our wounds, learn, and get ready to go.”
Hull had 11 players out for the derby clash, with Aydin and Kemp joined by Will Pryce (ACL), John Asiata (hamstring), Sam Lisone (pec), Ligi Sao (shoulder), Arthur Romano (ankle), Connor Bailey (collarbone), Brad Fash (MCL), Will Kirby (ACL), and Joe Ward (ACL). Lewis Martin was fit and in the 21-man squad but not selected.
“That’s part of the impact,” Last said on Hull’s ongoing challenges. “When your best players are injured, you’re having to rely on the higher numbers in your squad, and there’s a reason why they are the higher numbers in your squad.
“Some of the younger guys are maybe not ready for that week-to-week intensity of Super League, but they’re having to play. They are learning and it’s a tough stage to learn on. We’re learning some harsh lessons at the moment.”