Hull City facing defensive injury crisis vs Sheffield Wednesday - former Owl ruled out
Hull City are facing a defensive injury crisis ahead of their upcoming clash with Sheffield Wednesday this weekend.
Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirović has admitted he is facing a full-back shortage ahead of his side’s clash with Sheffield Wednesday at the MKM Stadium on Saturday.
If being beaten 3-0 by West Bromwich Albion and having centre-back Charlie Hughes sent off on Saturday afternoon was not enough, the Tigers also lost captain Lewie Coyle, who was forced off in the first half after taking a kick to his ankle.
Already without recognised left-backs Ryan Giles and Matty Jacob plus former Owls defender Akin Famewo, who has also operated at left-back this season, Hull could find themselves with just one fit and available full-back for the visit of Wednesday in the form of right-back Cody Drameh. Former Wednesday man Famewo is currently sidelined with a calf injury.
With injury issues stacking up at the MKM Stadium, Jakirović, who has overseen an indifferent run of results recently, watching his side win three and lose five of their last eight Championship matches, has admitted he does not currently know who will be able to play at left-back against Wednesday.
Speaking to Hull Live, the Tigers boss said: "God knows who will play in the next game because right now, Cody Drameh is the only fit full-back I have available, so we have a lot of problems.
Hull chief addresses full-back situation
“We will see after this game, but thankfully, so far, nobody has complained yet. Always, a few players have problems, so we will see. We must find a solution. We must find a good way.”
Currently occupying fifth spot in the Championship table, Hull are desperate to finish inside the top six this season and maintain their dream of securing promotion to the Premier League.
After being well beaten by West Brom at the weekend, Jakirović has identified the upcoming clash with the Owls as must-win for his team.
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"Of course, it's very important," he added. "We will try to use this week for good recovery and prepare everything to win next Saturday at home.
“We can do some sessions so that we can prepare a good game because we must take three points if we want to reach something.”