Injured Hull City star Will Keane backed to return stronger

HULL CITY manager Mike Phelan is backing injured striker Will Keane to remain mentally strong despite the grave news that he will be out of action for up to a year with knee ligament damage.
Hull City's Will Keane (centre) leaves the pitch an injury during the Premier League match at the KCOM Stadium, Hull.Hull City's Will Keane (centre) leaves the pitch an injury during the Premier League match at the KCOM Stadium, Hull.
Hull City's Will Keane (centre) leaves the pitch an injury during the Premier League match at the KCOM Stadium, Hull.

The Tigers’ worst fears were realised on Tuesday morning when medical reports revealed that the former Manchester United forward – who only joined the club in late August – will be sidelined for up to 12 months after suffering a serious injury in the first-half of the recent 2-1 home win over Southampton.

The development is another untimely one for the injury-jinxed Stockport-born frontman, who missed all of the 2012-13 campaign at Old Trafford after suffering ligament damage with England U19s – with further injuries curtailing his top-flight development at United.

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He will now undergo the second major cruciate ligament operation of his career at the age of 23.

Phelan, who worked with Keane during his time in Manchester, said: “To lose a player of Will’s quality and potential for such a long period of time is a big blow, but I am sure his determination and mindset will see him through the tough journey ahead.

“Everybody at the club wishes Will well for a full recovery ahead of what is going to be a long road back to action.”

Meanwhile, the Tigers face a striker crisis ahead of Saturday’s Premier League ‘six-pointer’ at fellow strugglers Sunderland, with Dieumerci Mbokani being the club’s only fit forward for the game on Wearside.

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The on-loan striker, who had only returned from his own injury to feature against the Saints, played in DR Congo’s World Cup qualifying win over Guinea on Sunday evening and is scheduled to return to the club today.

Adama Diomande misses Saturday’s game through suspension, while Abel Hernandez is out for another three weeks with a groin problem sustained in the 2-1 win over Saints 11 days ago.