Tigers midfielder Belloumi suffers new injury woe

Hull City boss Sergej Jakirovic has revealed midfielder Mohamed Belloumi will be sidelined for at least six weeks with a hamstring injury.

The 23-year-old made his first start for 11 months in last Saturday's 3-1 Championship win over Southampton after recovering from a serious knee problem, but was forced off just before half-time.

"He is positive and I also try to be very positive to lift him up because I told him after 11 months out, what is six to eight weeks? Nothing, but it's not easy to be strong in your mindset," Jakirovic told BBC Radio Humberside.

"Eight weeks is the maximum for him to be out but we expect him back in six weeks."

Belloumi has scored two goals in the 14 league appearances he has managed for the Tigers since joining from Portuguese side Farense in August 2024 and Jakirovic has liked what he has seen of the Algerian since he took over as head coach in June.

"He showed his qualities in the 120 minutes he has played since his return, especially one-on-one when attacking the defensive line," Jakirovic added.

"He's a very good player so it's a big impact for us but we have to stay positive and think in six weeks he will be back and the international break helps us for two weeks so we'll be without him for [only] four weeks when we have games."

Hull City return to Championship action at Watford on Saturday (15:00 BST).