Hibs have confirmed that full-back Tom James will miss ‘several’ weeks after sustaining ankle ligament damage.
He picked up the injury during his Premiership debut against St Mirren, which Hibs eventually won 1-0. James was forced off the pitch though after Ilkay Durmus’ late tackle.
Hibs full-back James picked up an unfortunate injury against St Mirren. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
After initial checks, the Easter Road side have now confirmed he will miss at least the next few matches.
It leaves manager Paul Heckingbottom with an injury headache at full-back.
Hibs youngster Sean Mackie will get a chance now James is injured
Full-backs David Gray and Lewis Stevenson are already on the sidelines with injury. To add a third full-back to that list is not ideal.
Gray hasn’t featured this term. (Photo by Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)
James has impressed at left-back, despite not even being a natural left-sided full-back. He has been covering for the injured Stevenson so far this term.
It leaves Heckingbottom with a selection headache. He no longer has any senior left-backs to choose from. Steven Whittaker is the only fit senior full-back Heckingbottom has just now.
It’ll likely give youngster Sean Mackie the chance to shine. It’ll be a big test for the youngster given Hibs’ next match is against Rangers at Ibrox, but this could be the promising teenager’s chance to make a name for himself.
Mackie may get a chance to shine. (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United)
Alternatively he could pick Paul Hanlon to deputise in place of James. He has played there for Hibs, but not very often, making this an unlikely scenario. According to Transfermarkt, he has played the left-back role 16 times for Hibs.
James’ injury is not ideal for Heckingbottom who now has a big decision to make before taking his side to Govan.