Hidemasa Morita
HUL
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
May 10, 1995 (31)
Right
5'10"
152 lb
Logs 31 minutes
Morita played 31 minutes off the bench in Tuesday's penalty-kick win over Stoke City in the EFL Cup.
Analysis: Morita was the first Tigers player off the bench in this game and made his presence felt in the shootout, scoring the first penalty for Hull. Morita should see regular playing time in midfield now that he's healthy.
Available off bench Tuesday
Morita (calf) is on the bench for Tuesday's EFL Cup game against Stoke City.
Analysis: Morita was trending toward a return to action Tuesday, and the Japanese midfielder will wait for his opportunity on the bench. If Morita doesn't suffer a setback, he should be an option to face Coventry on Saturday in the Premier League.
Set to return Tuesday
Morita (calf) is set to be involved in Tuesday's EFL match against Stoke City, according to Baz Cooper.
Analysis: Morita missed Saturday's match against Manchester United despite recently returning to training as his fitness continued to be managed carefully. The midfielder has not played competitively since May, so his workload could be limited if he returns Tuesday. Morita's expected involvement is nonetheless an encouraging step toward full fitness, with the summer signing expected to take on a significant role once fully integrated.
Still unavailable Saturday
Morita (calf) is unavailable for Saturday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Morita had returned to training and was in contention to make his league debut, but he remains unavailable as the club continues to carefully manage his fitness. The summer signing has not played competitively since May and will now have to wait until at least Aug. 29 to make his league debut. Morita is expected to take on a significant role once fully fit.
Could be option Saturday
Morita (calf) could be an option for Saturday's Premier League opener against Manchester United, according to manager Sregej Jakirovic. "Morita started to train with us, so we will see tomorrow (Friday)," Jakirovic told Hull Live. "Maybe he will be on the bench. We will see if he feels good. He played his last game at the end of May (for Sporting Lisbon), I think, so we have to be careful. We will see, and I will speak with him, of course."
Analysis: While a starting gig looks a bit of a stretch considering that Morita hasn't played a competitive match in nearly three months, it seems the Japanese midfielder could be involved in some capacity Saturday. Morita figures to be a regular starter in the Tigers' midfield once he's 100 percent healthy, but it seems he'll begin Saturday's contest against the Red Devils waiting for an opportunity on the bench.
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