HULL FC will closely monitor injuries to four players this week as they face another potential injury blow.
Already without the services of Richard Horne for four to six weeks with tendon problems, and with Danny Tickle unlikely to return until the Castleford game on June 23, Hull could be without four more players for the crunch match in France against Catalan Dragons this Saturday.
Victory over Leeds Rhinos on Friday came at a cost to the Black and Whites, with Chris Green (bicep) and Mark O'Meley (hamstring) set to miss the trip to France, while winger Tom Briscoe damaged his ribs in the opening minutes and was forced to play in pain.
With Richard Whiting still struggling with a sternum injury which kept him out of the Rhinos victory, coach Peter Gentle will hope for some positive news this week.
"We are not sure the extent of Chris' bicep tear, but early indications are it is not terrific," Gentle told the Mail. "Mark has a hamstring injury and he'll be a couple of weeks too.
"Richard Whiting could have played against Leeds if we gave him injections, but we don't want to do that at this stage of the season with the depth of our squad, so we'll have to see how he goes this week."
Despite the potential losses, Hull did welcome back Ben Galea and Joe Westerman on Friday and will have centre Joe Arundel fit again for selection after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Hull are also hoping new signing Jacob Miller will get the necessary visa documentation that will allow him to fly into England this week.
Miller continues to train alone back in Australia while the 20-year-old awaits his visa.
While he won't feature against Catalan on Saturday, Hull are hoping with the international break set to follow, Miller can arrive this week to give him two weeks to acclimatise to his new surroundings before the Black and Whites return to action against Castleford at the end of June.