Hull FC provide latest on doubtful duo as Jack Ashworth injury update also given

Simon Grix has not ruled out Hull FC duo Danny Houghton and Ligi Sao for Saturday's Hull derby but has conceded it will be 'extremely unlikely' that Houghton will play.

The Black and Whites captain is nursing a calf issue picked up at Salford last weekend, with Sao working through a rib complaint. However, the interim coach will give both players as long as possible to try and prove their fitness for the 246th derby clash, the third meeting of the two sides this year.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Grix said: "I'd say Danny is extremely unlikely. He's had a scan on his calf injury, just to get to the bottom of it and get all of the information, but at the moment, he's very unlikely.

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"We haven't found much out with Ligi. We've checked on him, and he's been in with the physios. He's copped a pretty decent whack as opposed to a muscular injury, and ribs can be very uncomfortable when you get some knocks in and around there, so he's another one. We'll leave it as long as we can before we make that choice."

Grix also provided the latest on Jack Ashworth's status, with the prop visiting Hull's university training ground after having his pot removed. Ashworth had surgery after rupturing two of his syndemosis ankle ligaments, and while still wearing a protective boot, it is hoped he will now have a smooth recovery, featuring again before the end of the season.

"We're hopeful he'll be back before the end," Grix continued. "It's a position we don't have a lot left in, certainly in terms of experience, and over the course of the season, we haven't been able to bring in as many as we would have liked.

"Losing Jack is a big blow, not just Jack as a player, but the position; we've not had great depth there, but we're hoping he can get back this year. He's got a bit of downtime at the minute, as there's not a lot he can do but heal, but once that boot comes off, the progression is pretty quick, so hopefully we see him again."

Grix also confirmed that the academy has been training with the first-team this Wednesday morning, having completed their college studies for the academic year.

"We've had a load of young kids train with us today, which has been really good," Grix added. "Those young lads have been going well, and they're joining in with us now. They've finished the college elements, so they're coming in with us and getting a bit of exposure. There were a lot of fresh faces.

"They'd all put their hands up to play this week, I'm sure, but we need to be smart about how we do it. The smartest way for us now is to name a 21 with 17 fit bodies in it and then see what it looks like on Friday."

As well as Ashworth, Hull remain without Jed Cartwright (foot), Joe Cator (back), Cam Scott (hamstring) Mitieli Vulikijapani (ACL), Nick Staveley (ACL), Sully Medforth (collar bone), and Cobie Wainhouse (ACL).

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