Jack Ross gives update on Hibs midfielder Josh Vela
Head coach reveals reasons behind player's absence
Hibs head coach Jack Ross has provided an update on midfielder Josh Vela, who hasn't made a first-team appearance since early November.
The summer signing has played 14 times since making the move north of the Border after more than a decade with Bolton Wanderers, but his last involvement in a matchday squad was during the 5-2 Betfred Cup semi-final defeat to Celtic at Hampden on November 2.
A regular under previous head coach Paul Heckingbottom, Vela wasn't named in the squad for Hibs' 4-1 win away to St Johnstone after Heckingbottom's departure, and has been omitted from every squad picked by his successor.
Speaking to Hibs TV at the club's winter training camp in Estepona, Ross confirmed that the 26-year-old was nursing a thigh strain and didn't travel with the squad.
"Josh had a thigh strain and missed the last couple of games.
"It's not healing as quickly as we thought, so he's stayed behind to rehab at East Mains."