Hull City defender Finley Burns is expected to resume training this week as he steps up his recovery from injury.
The 21-year-old has been sidelined in recent matches, but according to HullLive, he is set to link back up with his teammates as the Tigers prepare for their upcoming trip to Sunderland.
Burns Nearing Comeback
The centre-back joined Hull City on loan from Manchester City last summer, seeking valuable first-team experience. Since arriving at the MKM Stadium, Burns has made 11 appearances in all competitions, with nine of those coming in the Championship.
His return to training comes as a boost for manager Ruben Selles, who is also expecting Charlie Hughes and Kasey Palmer to rejoin the squad. However, Mohamed Belloumi, Liam Millar, and Oscar Zambrano remain long-term absentees for the East Yorkshire side.
Hull currently sit 21st in the table following a 1-1 draw at home against Norwich City, with every game becoming increasingly crucial in their fight for survival.
January Exit Rumours and Burns’ Role at Hull
Burns’ future at Hull City was uncertain in January, with speculation that Manchester City might recall him. However, he remained with the Tigers, working towards full fitness.
Speaking about his situation last month, Burns admitted that his future was unclear at the time.
“It’s interesting. I mean, I’m not too sure myself if I’m being honest. There’s still a week and a bit of the window left, so those conversations will still have to take place, but ultimately, I’m not too sure myself at the moment.”
Since the arrival of Selles, Burns has seen an increase in playing time compared to his limited opportunities under former manager Tim Walter. The young defender now faces competition for a starting place from the likes of Hughes, Alfie Jones, John Egan, and Sean McLoughlin.
Battling for a Spot in Hull’s Defence
Burns’ journey has seen him rise through Manchester City’s youth system after moving from Southend United in 2017. He has featured for City’s academy sides and even made a senior appearance under Pep Guardiola in a Carabao Cup victory over Wycombe Wanderers in 2021.
Loan spells at Swansea City and Stevenage followed, with the latter proving to be a valuable experience as he made 37 appearances in League One.
Now, as he returns from injury, Burns will be eager to regain his place in Hull City’s defensive setup and contribute to their Championship survival battle, starting with their upcoming fixture against Sunderland.
Writer’s View
Burns’ return to training is a timely boost for Hull City, who need all hands on deck as they battle to stay in the Championship. His previous lack of game time under Tim Walter threatened to stall his development, but under Ruben Selles, he has a chance to cement a more prominent role.
