Charlie Hughes is facing a continued spell on the sidelines
Charlie Hughes is facing a continued spell on the sidelines(Image: Phil Oldham/Shutterstock)
View Image
Charlie Hughes faces another seven weeks out before he can return to training, with the influential defender facing an extended spell on the sidelines.
Hughes has been nursing an issue in his groin area following double hernia surgery after the end of last season, and hasn't featured since the opening week of pre-season training.
The 24-year-old hasn't kicked a ball since and is now facing up to another few weeks away from the pitch, before he can be considered for a return to training, though he'll hope to return ahead of schedule.
Hughes went to see another specialist in Dublin last week, with the prognosis detailing what strength and conditioning work he must do before he's able to get back on the pitch, which is expected to be in October.
The news will come as a blow to Hughes, who has seen Nobel Mendy and Lucas Herrington both come in for big money this summer, and both have caught the eye, with the Senegalese defender scoring the second in the opening day victory over Manchester United.
There were genuine concerns that the former Wigan Athletic youngster could miss much of the season, so the fact he could be back on the grass in October is at least a positive.
"Charlie's good," the boss told Hull Live. "We are positive, we are looking forward and, in a maximum of seven weeks, he should be in group training. This is the latest news.
"He should carry on like this and then take some steps to do better and better when he is much stronger in his pubic bone, and then no pain, of course, and then he can start on the grass sessions."
Jakirovic expects Joe Gelhardt back in training this week as he recovers from an ankle injury, while goalkeeper Jack Butland is ahead of schedule following surgery on his arm earlier this month.
"Joff will join our group from Monday, but we will see," Jakirovic explained. "He's had six weeks off the pitch, so maybe he will need more time because of his fitness, but still good news.
"Jack Butland, he's in a good way, he feels fine. He's very optimistic, and 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."
Here at Hull Live , we are dedicated to bringing you the best Hull City coverage and analysis. Make sure you don't miss out on the latest City news by joining our free WhatsApp group.
You can get all the breaking news and best analysis sent straight to your phone by clicking here to subscribe. You can also subscribe to our free newsletter service. Click here to be sent all the day's biggest stories.