Hull City is gearing up for an important Premier League match against Aston Villa, and manager Sergej Jakirovic has shared positive news regarding the fitness of two key players. Joe Gelhardt and Matt Crooks, both of whom have recently been sidelined due to injuries, have returned to training and could be available for selection this weekend.
Jakirovic confirmed that Gelhardt has been participating fully in training since Monday, stating, "He is available," while Crooks is also back in training. The manager indicated that he will assess their fitness further before finalizing the squad for the match on Saturday, September 5, at MKM Stadium.
This match marks Matchday 3 of the 2026-27 Premier League season, and Hull City is looking to maintain their perfect start after securing victories in their first two games. The Tigers opened the season with a notable 2-0 win over Manchester United, followed by a narrow 1-0 victory against Coventry City. These results have set a positive tone for the newly promoted club as they aim to establish themselves in the top tier of English football.
Despite the encouraging news about Gelhardt and Crooks, Jakirovic acknowledged that there are additional injury concerns stemming from the recent match against Coventry. He refrained from disclosing the names of the affected players but emphasized that their availability will be evaluated closer to the game. "We have some problems also from the Coventry game, so we will see tomorrow who will be available," he noted.
As Hull City prepares for the encounter with Aston Villa, the manager is also considering the integration of several new signings made during a historic summer transfer window. Hull City invested approximately €175.65 million ($204.2 million) to bolster their squad after earning promotion to the Premier League. The club's new additions include notable players such as Senegalese center-back Nobel Mendy and Greek goalkeeper Konstantinos Tzolakis, both of whom were brought in for substantial fees.
Jakirovic has hinted that most of the recent signings will be included in the matchday squad, stating, "Mostly, they will be in the team of 20 players." This influx of talent is expected to enhance Hull City's competitiveness in the league as they aim to build on their strong start.
With the excitement building among fans for the upcoming match, there is anticipation surrounding the potential debuts of new players and the continuation of Hull City's impressive form. The clash against Aston Villa will not only be a test of their current squad's capabilities but also an opportunity for the team to solidify their position in the Premier League early in the season.
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