Hull City take on Bristol City this weekend in the Sky Bet Championship as the EFL returns for a new season but the Tigers could already be having to deal with some fitness problems going into it.

Pre-season is coming to an end for the 72 EFL clubs with the three divisions set to fire up once again this weekend, and the excitement is building.

For Hull, there is lots of optimism around the place as well after a summer window of decent signings and ambition demonstrated.

However, injuries can play a part in any side's season and it looks as though Hull are going to have to deal with some potential headaches early on, as per the Hull Daily Mail.

They write that the Tigers could be without Nathan Baxter, Alfie Jones and Ryan Longman this weekend as they take on Bristol City.

Baxter has his fingers strapped up whilst the report reveals Longman and Jones are both considerable fitness doubts for the opening weekend.

The Verdict

It's hardly an ideal scenario for the opening weekend but these things do happen in football.

Hull have built a decent looking squad over the summer and will go into the campaign positively, and they'll hope these injuries do not stop them from starting the campaign on the right foot.