David Gray spoke to the press on Friday afternoon and provided injury updates on four of his Hibs stars.
Hibs take on Aberdeen on Saturday as they look to make more moves up the Premiership table after last weekend’s important victory over Ross County.
Striker Mykola Kukharevych is arguably the biggest injury concern for boss Gray and he was asked if the man on loan from Swansea City is close to returning.
Mykola Kukharevych
Gray said: “Mykola hasn’t quite made it, unfortunately. Just with his groin, he’s not quite there yet.”
Could the striker make the Edinburgh derby? Gray answered: “Potentially. There are obviously a few days to go before then.
“He has a few markers he needs to try and hit up until that point as well, but he definitely misses out this weekend.”
Kieron Bowie
On Kieron Bowie’s recovery progress, Gray revealed: “He’s working ever so hard, but he also had that long-term injury before. He knows how to deal with that, he’s working harder than ever.
“He doesn’t miss a rep – he’s the utmost professional. We love working with him in terms of his attitude to get better and his desperation to get back on the grass.
“We’re probably going to have to make sure we don’t push him too quickly, because he will keep pushing himself because he’s that desperate to get back.
“He needs to be managed properly, but he’s showing positive signs and doing everything he can to get back as quickly as he can.”
Rudi Molotnikov
Gray also addressed Rudi Molotnikov who is also dealing with a groin problem: “Rudi’s still struggling a little bit as well, but the rest of the boys are back on the grass. Apart from that, we’re all good.”
Marvin Ekpiteta
Briefly on defender Marvin Ekpiteta, Gray confirmed: “He’s longer term. He’ll be another few weeks anyway.”