Hull City are anxiously awaiting scan results to determine the extent of the ankle injury sustained by Yu Hirakawa during Saturday’s 3-1 defeat to Queens Park Rangers.
The on-loan winger had been one of City’s standout performers at the MKM Stadium, producing a brilliant run and cross to set up Joe Gelhardt’s equaliser. However, he was later forced off after twisting his ankle, leaving the Tigers sweating over his fitness at a crucial stage of the campaign.
The club is expected to learn more later this week following a specialist assessment. In the worst-case scenario, Hirakawa could require surgery — a development that would rule him out for the remainder of the season. If an operation is not necessary, the Japanese international is still likely to face around six weeks on the sidelines.
Either outcome means he will not feature before April at the earliest, dealing a significant blow to City’s promotion push. He is already ruled out of Tuesday night’s clash with play-off rivals Derby County, as well as upcoming fixtures against Ipswich Town, Wrexham, Millwall, and the pivotal Easter weekend encounters with Coventry City and Oxford United.
City are set to hold discussions with his parent club, Bristol City, once the scan results are confirmed to determine the best course of action regarding his rehabilitation.
Injury problems have plagued boss Sergej Jakirovic throughout the campaign, and this latest setback arrives during City’s most difficult spell of the season, with two defeats and a draw in their last three league outings.
There is, however, some positive news on the fitness front. Charlie Hughes is expected to return for the visit of Derby, while Matt Crooks has a strong chance of being included in the squad after recovering from a hamstring issue. Semi Ajayi, Toby Collyer and Eliot Matazo are also edging closer to comebacks, although Mo Belloumi remains sidelined until April following the hamstring injury he suffered on Boxing Day at Sheffield Wednesday.
Assistant boss Dean Holden admitted Hirakawa’s injury looked innocuous but left the winger in significant discomfort.
“He came off and was in a lot of pain, his ankle was swollen and he had a boot on after the game,” Holden explained. “He just stood on the lad’s foot and rolled his ankle. He’s seeing a specialist and we’re waiting on the scan. There’s no clear timeframe yet, but he won’t be involved tomorrow.”
Holden added that Hughes is fit after light training, while Crooks could return to the matchday squad depending on how he progresses before kick-off.
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