Longman, Smith, and Docherty to miss Norwich visit as Tigers look to move on from Carabao Cup exit

‘WE KNOW HOW POOR WE WERE AT BRADFORD’: Shota Arveladze. Picture credit: Hull City

By Simon Bristow

Hull City will be without forwards Tyler Smith and Ryan Longman, and midfielder Greg Docherty, when they welcome Norwich City to the MKM Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers are licking their wounds from a disappointing Carabao Cup defeat at Bradford City on Tuesday, but have started solidly in the league, with four points from two fixtures leaving them handily placed in sixth in the Championship table.

Visitors Norwich have made a shaky start to the new campaign, lying 21st with just a solitary point from their opening two games. But the Canaries are likely to represent the toughest opponents City have so far met this season, having just been relegated from the Premier League.

Tigers boss Shota Arveladze did not want to dwell on the 2-1 defeat at Valley Parade, telling an online press conference today: “We know what we’ve done, we know how bad we performed, and the only thing we have to do is to look forward, because you cannot stay in that place.”

He said of Norwich: “I think it’s absolutely a Premier League side, having a very strong squad. Of course they do not start well [this season], but it doesn’t make them any weaker.”

Asked about Longman’s fitness, Arveladze said: “He’s out. And Tyler Smith is also out.” He also confirmed Docherty was not in contention.

The City manager appeared hopeful about keeping vice-captain Jacob Greaves, the Hull-born defender who has still not been tied down to a new contract.

He said: “He has one-year contract, plus option with the team, and then I think there are some things which may not fit now but I believe in a month’s time, or two month’s time, it’s going to come and then we’ll find the best solution, because generally, if someone wants to leave they are going to leave anyway.”