The Tigers have missed one of their key summer signings
Hull City could be handed a timely boost as the Tigers look to bounce back from Saturday’s disappointing 2-1 away defeat at Watford against Preston North End on Tuesday night.
Both Semi Ajayi and Matt Crooks could be in line to feature against the Lillywhites after lengthy spells out with a hamstring and ankle injury, respectively.
The return of Ajayi is especially timely for City, given they’ve conceded 17 goals in the seven league and cup games since the opening day draw at Coventry City, while Crooks hasn’t featured since damaging his ankle in the win over Oxford United.
City shipped two more at Watford on Saturday to lose 2-1, despite dominating the first half and leading 1-0 thanks to Oli McBurnie’s terrific finish after 25 minutes, and having Ajayi back will be a positive for the Tigers boss as he looks to try and find the magic cure to his side’s defensive fraities.
“I cannot say anything against John Egan and Charlie Hughes because they are giving us everything,” head coach Sergej Jakirovic told Hull Live. “They both give us one hundred per cent in every game, but our first-choice centre-backs are Semi Ajayi and Charlie Hughes.
“We lost Semi after Coventry, and for the last six games, he’s not been with us. It will be a very big boost to our team to have Semi and Matt Crooks back in the squad.”
Joel Ndala will not feature after he was ruled out with a foot injury, though he won’t return to Manchester City for treatment and will stay with the Tigers, while Liam Millar will be in the squad and will hope for minutes after not getting off the bench at Vicarage Road.
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