Exclusive:Hibs injury news: Assist king training update as Easter Road side prepare for daunting three-game run
‘We’re not taking risks’ - Gray wary of pushing wide man with Obita on AFCON duty
Hibs hope to have wide man Nicky Cadden back in the starting line-up for all three festive-period fixtures as David Gray’s men look to close out 2025 with a run of wins. And, with veteran wingback Jordan Obita one of three players away at the Africa Cup of Nations, the Easter Road side are desperate to have one of their most creative threats available for a trio of daunting tasks.
Gray is looking to bounce back from last night’s 1-0 loss against Rangers at Ibrox as he takes his team to Tannadice on Saturday. The Hibs boss, who will be on Tayside tomorrow night to watch Dundee United welcome Celtic, also has one eye on the visit of Hearts for the second Edinburgh Derby of the season on December 27 – and understands the importance of fending off the challenge of Aberdeen when they visit Edinburgh on December 30.
Cadden, who topped the assist charts for Hibs last season, was sorely missed as the visitors failed to create any clear-cut chances against Rangers. But Gray, speaking exclusively to The Evening News after the game, revealed that the wide man had been out on the grass at East Mains over the weekend.
“Nicky trained yesterday, which is real positive news for him,” said Gray, the former club captain adding: “Clearly that was only one session after the injury he had, so he's going to get stronger all the time. He'll be in obviously tomorrow (Tuesday) and we'll just see how he goes.
“We're not going to obviously take a risk if he's feeling anything at all. But knowing Nicky, he wanted to play against Rangers, we know what he's like. He will be keen to play; we know that.
Cadden brings quality out wide
“We all know his quality and what he brings to the team. You can see that every time he’s on the ball.
“But we can’t take chances if he’s feeling anything at all. So I think there's an element of making sure that, as I say, we're not taking risks – and keeping the group as healthy as we can.”
Martin Boyle was only used as an impact substitute at Ibrox after being ill during the build-up to the game, Gray not wanting to risk the livewire attacker from the start. But he is likely to be fit and raring to go after making a difference in his 20-minute cameo against Rangers.
Club captain battling back from year out
Gray was also pleased to see club captain Joe Newell perform well after being thrown into the fray early in the second half, the midfielder continuing to gain match sharpness after spending the thick end of a year recovering from two abdominal operations. With Miguel Chaiwa also away on AFCON duty with Zambia, Newell is likely to play a more prominent role over the next three games.
Veteran Canadian international Junior Hoilett and club record signing Thibault Klidje also continued their injury recovery programmes with game time against Rangers. Both will be in contention for the United game this weekend.
Klidje – a £1.5 million summer signing who has made just half a dozen starts since moving to Easter Road from Lucerne – is pushing for a start. Elie Youan, who made just his second start since Boxing Day of 2024 in last night’s defeat, has also proven his fitness after a frustrating period of injuries.