Hull City take their unbeaten Premier League record to St James’ Park this weekend looking to complete what would be a stunning first part of the 2026/27 campaign.
Unbeaten after four games and having taken points of Manchester United, Aston Villa and now Chelsea, the Tigers head to the North East knowing another positive result would send them into the extended international break in very fine fettle.
The three-week hiatus would also give Sergej Jakirovic’s men the time they to need to refresh and ensure they return to the fray – at home to Everton on October 11 – with more fit players.
Here’s the latest state of play in the Tigers’ treatment room after Nobel Mendy had to be helped from the Stamford Bridge pitch after a clash of heads.
Nobel Mendy
Injury: Suspected concussion
What’s been said: On September 12 Jakirovic said: “We think he has concussion. He went to the hospital and after head scan we will know more.”
Return date: TBC
Hidemasa Morita
Injury: Adductor
What’s been said: Speaking after the Coventry win, Jakirovic said: ‘He is three weeks out, now two weeks, with adductor, some problems after Coventry.”
Return date: Newcastle, Sept 19
Charlie Hughes
Injury: Groin
What’s been said: The defender has not played all season and in late August he was given a seven-week timetable to return:
Return date: Late October
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Paddy McNair
Injury: Foot
What’s been said: Has been out since the Coventry game but was cleared to play against Chelsea – albeit he was not involved.
Return date: Newcastle, Sept 19
Ilyas Ansah
Injury: Back
What’s been said: In early September Jakirovic said: “Six weeks out, this is minimum. It’s interesting, if we didn’t send him for a medical, if he signed without medical, he would play.”
Return date: Late October
Jack Butland
Injury: Arm
What’s been said: On August 29 Jakirovic said: “The prediction was three months, but he told me that he will be on the grass again in six weeks. He’s a superman. This is how he feels, so we will see.”
Return date: TBC
Darko Gyabi
Injury: Groin
What’s been said: Around a month ago the midfielder was ruled out for three months.
Return date: November
Eliot Matazo
Injury: Knee
What’s been said: Matazo hasn’t played since April after sustaining another serious knee injury
Return date: TBC