Hull City were left frustrated on Saturday as they were beaten 3-1 by relegation-threatened Barnsley at Oakwell. 

Grant McCann's side certainly weren't at their best, and were unable to follow up a 4-0 win over Preston North End with a positive showing against the Tykes.

The Tigers will be keen to stay in touch with the play-off chasing pack heading into the festive period though, with McCann's men sat 12th in the Championship table, and just five points adrift of Preston who occupy sixth spot at the moment.

But Hull have been dealt a frustrating injury blow heading into the festive period though, with McCann revealing in an interview with the club's official website that Josh Magennis is ruled out of action with a torn hamstring.

"Josh is going to be out for about six to eight weeks with a grade two hamstring tear. Six weeks (out) if we’re lucky.

"He did it in training yesterday, just a back heel. It was innocuous really – he just tried to keep the ball in play with nobody near him. That’s disappointing."

McCann went on to reveal that Kevin Stewart is also set for a spell in the treatment room, as he recovers from a foot injury, with the midfielder not expected back until February.

"Kevin Stewart will also probably not be back until the back end of February. He’s cracked a bone in his fifth metatarsal so he’s going to have to get that pinned. They’re big losses but it now provides opportunities for others."

Hull are next in action this weekend when they take on Stoke City at the KCOM Stadium, in a game where they'll fancy their chances of getting back to winnings ways to strengthen their challenge for a top-six finish.

The Verdict: 

This will be hugely frustrating for Grant McCann at this time of the year.

Hull don't have a considerable amount of strength in depth in their squad, so to have these two players out injured couldn't have come at a worse time.

This irritating injury update could tempt the Hull boss to dip into the January transfer window though to find adequate replacements for the pair, as they look to stay in touch with the play-off chasing sides in the Championship.