Hull City head coach Liam Rosenior is mulling over whether or not Turkey international Ozan Tufan can feature for the Tigers ahead of tomorrow’s clash with Leeds United.
Tufan has been ruled out action at the MKM Stadium since before the international break with a thigh problem but returned to training last week with an eye on getting back out on the pitch as soon as possible.
The Turkish midfielder has been vital to Hull’s excellent start to the campaign under Rosenior and bagged four goals in his first four matches, including a hattrick in a 4-2 win over Sheffield Wednesday. This excellent run of form earned Tufan Hull City’s Player of the Month award for August.
Manager Rosenior confirmed that he will assess whether or not the 28-year-old is ready to play tomorrow when Leeds United come to town. Speaking to Hull Live, the former Derby County interim boss said [quotes via Hull Live]:
“Nothing new, which is great,” Rosenior told Hull Live. “Ozan will train again today (Monday). He had another session on Saturday, he’s looking good. I’ll assess him today and then we’ll train again tomorrow and I’ll see where he’s at for Wednesday.”
Rosenior also cited the importance of not rushing Tufan’s recovery, casting his mind back to Allahyar Sayyadmanesh’s injury problems last term:
“We did it with Allahyar last season at Wigan and he was out for another four months afterwards, and I was devastated for him.
“Having Ozan Tufan in my team and in my squad makes us a better team and a better squad but what I don’t want to do is lose him for four months for risking him,” he continued.
“He’s desperate to get back, he’s had an unbelievable start to the season but I want him for the full season, so that’s a decision we’ll make. If he’s fit enough, he’ll be part of the team and a part of the squad for Wednesday.”
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