Hull City Receives Training Boost with Key Players’ Return

Hull City head coach Tim Walter has confirmed that Steven Alzate, who has been a long-term absentee, has rejoined first-team training in preparation for Saturday’s home match against Luton Town. The Tigers have played the last six Championship matches without the former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder, but his participation in training on Thursday offers a timely boost, particularly as Liam Millar, Andy Smith, Mohamed Belloumi, and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth are still sidelined. Walter also welcomed back winger Abu Kamara, who had missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury, and midfielder Marvin Mehlem. “Today was the first day for Steven Alzate and today was the first day for Marvin and Abu is back so he is good to go for Saturday,” Walter told BBC Radio Humberside. The German head coach remained slightly more tight-lipped, however, regarding whether Alzate would be fit enough to start on Saturday. “I don’t know at the moment but he could be [ready] for Saturday’s match,” he added. Walter stressed the importance of careful rehabilitation, stating: “We have to take care and we have to build up the physicality and stability so they are ready to go for the next games.” The Tigers boss also reported a delay concerning Belloumi’s surgery for a cruciate ligament injury, which is expected to keep him out until the season’s conclusion. “I don’t know where we are we going to do it because of the language, maybe its better to do in an Arabic country or maybe it would be better to do it over here – it is just this decision,” he said of the Algerian’s proposed operation. Walter stated that the Tigers incurred no additional injuries during the international break, and Bayer Leverkusen loanee Gustavo Puerta is anticipated to fly back to England on Friday from Colombia. Walter further confirmed that Canadian winger Millar’s knee surgery, which took place over the international break, went “brilliantly.”