Derby dealt Bielik blow ahead of Hull visit

Posted Friday, January 17, 2020 by PA

Derby have suffered a major injury blow with the news that defender Krystian Bielik has been ruled out for the rest of the season.

Bielik was stretchered off with a serious knee injury during Monday’s under-23 match against Tottenham as he came back from a three-match suspension.

Rams boss Phillip Cocu has some better news elsewhere as his side look to extend their current unbeaten run.

Graeme Shinnie is close to returning from the hamstring injury that has ruled him out since November, while George Evans (thigh) and Max Bird (muscle) are making progress.

Martin Samuelsen is set to feature in the Hull side for the first time after completing his move from West Ham.

The attacking midfielder is eligible for the game and Tigers boss Grant McCann could be tempted to throw him in from the start.

Hull could also welcome back striker Josh Magennis, who has missed the last 10 matches with a hamstring injury, while Callum Elder is also back in contention after a hamstring issue of his own.

Kevin Stewart (foot), Jon Toral (knee) Norbert Balogh (calf) and Stephen Kingsley (hamstring) are still sidelined.