Hull FC injury update including fresh blow for Danny Houghton

Hull FC interim coach Simon Grix has provided an injury update for his side, including the status of Danny Houghton.

His side face Leeds Rhinos on Friday night, in a game that could have a huge impact on the play-off race, with the Rhinos having very little room for error going into the final games of the regular season.

Brad Fash will return for that game after a back issue, and Jed Cartwright has passed the return-to-play protocols after his failed HIA.

Meanwhile, Jack Ashworth and Ligi Sao should be fit to play, despite being doubts due to a back injury and a head injury respectively.

Hull FC: fresh blow for Danny Houghton

Houghton, now 35, has made 450 appearances for the Black and Whites, and plans to retire at the end of the season.

He missed almost two months of action before returning for the side’s defeat to Castleford Tigers last week.

Now, with a fresh injury concern, there’s a chance he may never make another appearance – with the hooker in a race against time to be fit for the final game of the season.

Grix said, via Hull Daily Mail: “It’s so frustrating for him. I feel for him. He’s done all that rehab; the prognosis was long-term, and he’s had the checks, and he’s ticked every box. He’s done everything.

“We’ve pushed him really hard, and unfortunately he only lasted a few minutes. He’s torn his calf again. It’s a different tear, he’s not aggravated by the same tear as before. That’s just the old war horse, really. His body is giving out, but we’re hopeful that we can get him back.

“It’s not a significant one like last time; it’s a little one. Hopefully we can see him out on the pitch again. That would be nice for him.”