Hibs squad stretched as Jamie Murphy joins Joe Newell on Betfred Cup injury list

Progressing quicker than anticipated, Hibs midfielder Joe Newell could be available for the club’s return to league action next weekend but, in the meantime, he will be joined on the sidelines by Jamie Murphy.

Hibs midfielder Joe Newell receives treatment for his injured shoulder during the match against Hamilton on Friday. Photo by Craig Foy / SNS Group

Newell, who has been a dynamic and consistent performer for the Easter Road side this season, sustained a shoulder injury in Friday’s victory over Hamilton.

It was serious enough to rule the set piece specialist out of the Betfred Cup group games versus Brora Rangers last night and away to Cove Rangers and then Forfar in the next five days, and there was a fear that he may also miss the head to head with Ross County when league business resumes. But, the Englishman, who has weighed in with a goal and two assists in his first ten appearances this term, could return ahead of schedule, according to his manager, Jack Ross.

“It wasn’t a dislocation, just some muscle damage around the area but there is now a chance he will be available for the Ross County game. We are hopeful that by the middle of next week he will be in a position to start training again.”

Winger Jamie Murphy was substituted in last night’s cup tie with a tight hamstring and is unlikely to feature in the upcoming games.

“I expect Saturday will be too soon for him and possibly Tuesday as well,” said Ross. “But the early signs are that it is nothing too serious.”

The latest injury will necessitate further rejigging of the side for Saturday’s trip to face Paul Hartley’s newly-promoted League One side.

“We will use the squad fully over these next games. With Alex [Gogic], Ofir [Marciano], Ryan [Porteous] and Josh Doig away [on international duty], we are stretched in terms of the three cup games and then Ross County in the league a week on Saturday, which is absolutely the important one.

“Some of those players will be asked to go again this Saturday but we will add some freshness to it with players who were on the bench [last night] and try to navigate ourselves through these games.”