Harry McKirdy injury: Hibs forward facing spell on sidelines

Hibs will be without Harry McKirdy for up to six weeks after the striker suffered an injury during the first half of last weekend’s 1-0 victory over St Mirren.

The 25-year-old landed awkwardly at the SMiSA Stadium and had to be helped off the pitch by the Easter Road medical staff. Subsequent scans have revealed that McKirdy has suffered a ligament strain in his ankle, ruling him out for between four to six weeks.

With Martin Boyle and Mykola Kukharevych both sidelined, losing another forward leaves Lee Johnson with just Kevin Nisbet and Élie Youan as his fit senior strikers, although the arrival of Matthew Hoppe on loan from Middlesbrough on transfer deadline day has beefed up the side’s attacking options.

Nisbet is expected to be available for next weekend’s cinch Premiership clash against Kilmarnock despite missing the trip to Paisley after picking up a knock in the 1-1 draw at Ross County last month, while midfielder Kyle Magennis could also be in contention as he works his way back from a minor hamstring strain.

Harry McKirdy suffered the injury during Hibs' 1-0 victory over St Mirren last weekend

Johnson said: “This is a disappointing setback for Harry. We feel his performances have been improving recently and he was beginning to find his rhythm and form. The focus for him now is to return in the best possible shape to help us at the latter end of the season.”

Midfield duo Jake Doyle-Hayes and Kyle Magennis are nearing a return to action after spells out, Magennis nursing a slight hamstring strain while Doyle-Hayes had a hip flexor issue.

Defender Rocky Bushiri was last month ruled out for at least 12 weeks after suffering an ankle injury during the 3-0 Scottish Cup defeat by Hearts, while Kukharevych has been out with a medial ligament problem picked up in November. With parent club ESTAC Troyes a member of the City Football Group, the Ukrainian forward was receiving treatment at Manchester City’s facilities but has since returned to Edinburgh for the remainder of his recovery.

The 21-year-old scored three goals in ten games but hasn’t featured since the 1-0 defeat by Kilmarnock at Rugby Park before the break for the 2022 World Cup. He was given an eight-week estimation for his return four weeks ago, which could mean a return in time for the visit of Rangers on March 8.