Hull City head coach Sergej Jakirovic has moved to ease concerns over Nobel Mendy after confirming the defender’s substitution against Sunderland on Tuesday night was planned.
Mendy was included in the starting XI for the Carabao Cup third-round clash and delivered an encouraging performance alongside Lucas Herrington at the centre of City’s defence.
However, the Senegal international was replaced at half-time, marking the fourth occasion this season that he has been taken off during a match. The change naturally raised questions about a possible injury, but Jakirovic insisted there was no cause for concern.
“It was planned,” Jakirovic said when asked about Mendy’s withdrawal.
The Hull boss also provided an update on Paddy McNair, who has been dealing with a foot problem and was unavailable for both the Aston Villa and Sunderland matches.
McNair underwent further checks with a specialist and has now been cleared to return to training later this week.
“We didn’t have Paddy McNair today, but he is good after going for a scan today,” Jakirovic explained.
“He went to a specialist about his metatarsal bone, there is some issues. But everything is fine so he will join us on Thursday again.”
There was also a worrying moment involving John Egan during the second half against Sunderland. The centre-back collided with an opposition player during a challenge and appeared to be struggling with a lower-leg problem afterwards.
Although Egan was able to continue and see out the remainder of the match, he did not appear completely comfortable.
Jakirovic confirmed that the defender would be assessed further to ensure there was no serious issue.
“Yeah, he had a blast with an opponent player and I think everything is good there but we will see,” Jakirovic added.
Hull will now monitor Egan’s condition while welcoming McNair back into training, with Jakirovic hopeful that his squad’s injury concerns are beginning to ease.