The long-term absence of Kieron Bowie remains a thorn in the side of this Hibs squad. Any team missing their major summer signing can hardly be said to have enjoyed good luck on the injury front.
Even allowing for Bowie’s long battle back from a devastating hamstring injury, however, Hibs aren’t in terrible shape. As they prepare to welcome Motherwell to Easter Road tomorrow, in fact, rookie head coach David Gray may find himself spoiled for choice.
Against a Motherwell side who have won four of their last five games, Hibs are still considered slight favourites with the odds makers. But a lot may depend on the availability of two key men – club captain Joe Newell and Martin Boyle.
Both missed last weekend’s narrow 1-0 defeat to Rangers at Ibrox, with Socceroos winger Boyle recovering from a hand/wrist operation and Newell not yet ready after surgery on a double hernia. Having travelled to Govan on the back of their first league win of the season, a comfortable 2-0 home victory over St Johnstone that feels like an age ago now, Gray’s men were beginning to look like a more cohesive and co-ordinated unit.
They played well in Sunday’s defeat, too. How they fare in this game may depend on who is available – to start and to make an impact from the bench.
With Motherwell not short of injury problems themselves, let’s take a look at the ins, outs, doubts and maybes for tomorrow’s contest:
5. OUT - Ross Callachan (Motherwell)
Likely to be out for a while yet with a hamstring injury. | SNS
6. OUT - Harry Paton (Motherwell)
Still working his way back from ankle surgery. | SNS Group
7. DOUBT - Nicky Cadden (Hibs)
Winger missed Ibrox loss with a knock. May not be risked, given number of options available to Gray. | SNS Group Photo: SNS
