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One player who Hull City sorely missed last season is edging closer to a return to the grass.
In the 2024/25 Championship campaign, Hull City stayed up by the skin of their teeth after a last-day draw with Portsmouth kept them up on goal difference.
Despite the final-day jubilation, it was still a resoundingly poor season for the Tigers, especially after narrowly missing out on the play-offs in the prior campaign.
Many of the issues came down to poor recruitment and the bizarre decision by Acun Ilicali to appoint Tim Walter at the start of the season; however, Hull City also suffered with key injuries – something that no doubt played a part in their poor campaign.
There will be lofty expectations that new boss Sergej Jakirovic will have to get Hull City back to the higher echelons of the league table, and that will be made easier once one Tigers star returns from his long-term injury.
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Hull City star Eliot Matazo makes progress towards injury return
Hull City were significantly unlucky last season when it came to absences. Tricky wingers Liam Millar and Mo Belloumi’s seasons were ended short at a similar time, whilst Eliot Matazo was barely able to string a run of games together before suffering an ACL injury.
Thankfully, though, Matazo appears to be ‘progressing well’ with his injury after the latest update given through the club’s social media.
The club shared a video of his rehabilitation, which will be a huge relief for fans who are keen to see far more of the Belgian.
Matazo’s injury struck in the back-end of February, and whilst it is expected that he won’t be ready for the start of the season, he will feel like a new signing for Jakirovic when he does become available.
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The moment Hull fans realised that Eliot Matazo was a special talent
After joining the club in January, Matazo notched just six appearances before his injury. Despite playing so few matches, Hull City fans were still in awe of Matazo, especially after the win away at Sunderland.
Matazo bagged a goal against Stoke City in his second game, but the trip to the Stadium of Light was where he truly shone. He managed to keep Sunderland’s midfield quiet, whilst also showing a brilliant ability to move the ball forward and create chances.
Once Matazo returns from his lengthy spell on the sidelines, Hull City will be transformed for the better, but until then, it will require another player to fill his shoes.