The Tigers face an anxious wait as they get ready to learn Philogene’s injury fate
Jaden Philogene could be out for a while after suffering a knee injury early in the second half of Saturday’s 2-0 loss to QPR.
The loss of the important winger for any length of time will undoubtedly be devastating to Liam Rosenior and Hull City’s aspirations of a profitable Christmas holiday. Philogene will get a scan today to evaluate the extent of the knee ligament injury that forced him to abandon the game after only five minutes at Loftus Road.
Of course, being without the 21-year-old is not ideal, but it does provide Rosenior with an opportunity to experiment with different formations and allow others a chance to shine.
Typically, City will play with a lone striker and three men supporting him. In an ideal world, Liam Delap would be the classic number nine, with Philogene, Scott Twine, and Jason Lokilo flanking the 20-year-old attacker.
Philogene is expected to miss Wednesday’s game against Middlesbrough and is a doubt for the weekend match against Cardiff City. Lokilo is also not likely to return until the game against Bristol City on December 22.
While Rosenior would prefer to play with two pure wingers, that chance has been taken away from him, therefore he must adapt and overcome, which could entail changing shape.
Being without Philogene and Lokilo reduces City’s attacking supply, so bringing in Aaron Connolly and playing him alongside Delap, or perhaps just off the Manchester City loaner in more of a number 10 role, would be an option to consider.
Finding a method to bring Regan Slater back into the starting XI is also a priority. Slater’s dynamism is vital, and he has made an impact in each of the games in which he has appeared as a cameo since returning from injury.
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