Leonid Slutsky is set to receive a huge boost ahead of the Sky Bet Championship campaign, with David Meyler returning to first-team training for Hull City, reports the Hull Daily Mail.  

There is less than a week until the start of the 2017/18 campaign, and despite not featuring throughout pre-season, Meyler is hopeful of forcing his way into Slutsky’s plans.

The 28-year-old has been missing since April with a medial knee ligament injury, but he will return to full training this week and aim to prove his fitness to new boss, Slutsky.

Kevin Stewart is likely to partner Sam Clucas in central midfield according to the Hull Daily Mail, but Meyler will offer options from the bench and his availability will hand Hull a boost ahead of a busy start to the season.

Meyler is an experienced campaigner, having made almost 200 senior appearances during his career, including 164 for Hull.

Last season at the KCOM Stadium, Meyler made just 20 Premier League appearances, before his season was cut short through injury.

After a number of departures this summer, Meyler will be important to Hull on their return to the Championship, having made 28 appearances during the 2015/16 campaign to help the club to promotion.

Hull face Aston Villa on the opening day of the 2017/18 campaign.

The Verdict

This is a timely boost for Slutsky and Hull, with not much confidence coming out of East Yorkshire heading into the new season.

The mass exodus of players from the KCOM Stadium has left Hull’s supporters wary heading into the new season. However, the return of Meyler will ease those fears ahead of the season.

Hull will be reliant on Meyler next season, with the hope his experience can help guide the club to a successful campaign.

Hull fans… Let us know your thoughts!