Cole Skuse is a major doubt for this weekend’s visit to Sheffield Wednesday while Jon Nolan could also miss the trip to Hillsborough.
Skuse went into Tuesday night’s defeat at Derby with a lingering quad injury and lasted just 55 minutes in the 2-0 loss, meaning his place for Saturday’s game is in doubt.
Nolan left Pride Park hobbling due to a knock to his ankle, but Hurst is more positive regarding his former Shrewsbury player’s involvement than he is Skuse’s.
“He’s not looking great for the weekend but I’ve got to know Cole in the time I’ve been here and he’s a quick healer, so if there’s a chance he might be able to contribute then he will put his hand up and want to be part of the squad,” Hurst said.
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“I’m reluctant to rule him out but he’s certainly very doubtful
“Jon Nolan rolled his ankle at the start of the game (at Derby) so that’s two games running where he’s had an issue at the beginning of games
“That’s sore today. We’re more hopeful for that one but it’s not a definite in our out.”
Hurst is not expecting to make too many changes to his side for the trip to Wednesday, though.
“Without giving too much away, I don’t think there’ll be too many changes,” he said. “I don’t think we are in a position to really do that.
“Also, I think large parts of the performances we’ve been relatively pleased with. I don’t feel a need to change too much. If Skusey and Nolan are out then I’ll have to change out of necessity.
Emyr Huws played 45 minutes in the Blues’ U23s’ 8-0 victory over Hull on Monday night, with Hurst happy with what he saw.
Teddy Bishop missed that game due to illness, though, with the Blues boss disappointed to not see the academy graduate in action.
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“Emyr got 45 minutes so that’s something but we would have liked for him to have played more, but there was some puffiness in his knee.
“Again, that’s something we’ll get through in time. While he was on the pitch he did fine. It wasn’t the greatest of tests but there’s an element of just getting back out there. It was at Portman Road which helps in the feel to everything.
“He’s trained today, which is important, along with Teddy who missed the game through illness. That was a bit frustrating for everyone.
“He’s back out there and, as I keep saying, the more they train the better it is for everyone.”
Tristan Nydam was a notable absentee from the Under 23 game due to a quad problem, with Hurst still hopeful a club may come in to take the talented youngster on loan.
“He’s returned to training today after a little issue with his quad, nothing major,” he said.
“No-one’s been in for any of the players on loan currently but it wouldn’t surprise me if we got calls.
“We’ll see if anyone does get in touch.”
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