Hull City handed major injury boost as Charlie Hughes returns to pitch with start for U21s
Hull City have been handed a major boost on the injury front
Hull City have been handed a major boost in the form of Charlie Hughes’ return from injury.
The 23-year-old defender underwent a hernia operation after helping the Tigers seal promotion to the Premier League via the Championship play-offs last season.
Recovery has not been smooth, as the centre-back complained of discomfort when he returned to training in the summer.
Hull City star makes return to the pitch
He has not made a single competitive appearance for the Tigers this term, nor has he made the bench, but has been named in the starting XI for Hull’s under-21s this afternoon.
The club’s second-string side are due to host Fleetwood Town Under-21s in the Professional Development League at the MKM Stadium at 1pm.
Alongside Hughes in the starting XI are fringe midfielders Darko Gyabi and Kieran Dowell and summer recruit Robinio Vaz.
Speaking late last month, as reported by Hull Live, Tigers boss Sergej Jakirovic said: “Charlie's on the grass, individual session, some reactions after training. Sometimes it's better, sometimes it's not so good, so he's struggling.
"Darko is with us; he's training with us. He's not registered at least until the winter [transfer window], and between now and then, we will try to improve his physical condition.”
Charlie Hughes’ career path from Wigan Athletic to Hull City
Hughes spent time in the academies of Manchester City and Liverpool but moved into the professional game with Wigan Athletic.
A cultured centre-back, he established himself as a key figure for the Latics at a young age and attracted plenty of high-profile admirers.
Hull won the race for his signature in the summer of 2024 and he has since racked up 70 appearances for the East Yorkshire club.