Hull have suffered a second setback ahead of the new season, with winger Jason Crookes likely to be sidelined for at least four months after injuring his shoulder in training.
The 23-year-old former Bradford player, who was a member of Hull's Challenge Cup final team at Wembley last August, had just returned from a wrist operation and was pushing hard for a place in Lee Radford's new-look side.
Crookes now faces surgery next week before a full prognosis can be made ahead of his rehabilitation.
Radford said: "It's a real shame for him because I know he was looking forward to the start of the season.
"To suffer the injury so soon after his wrist operation and before the season starts is very cruel but it is part and parcel of our game and he'll be well looked after by our medical department."
The injury to Crookes comes less than a fortnight after new signing Chris Tuson was ruled out of the start of the season after suffering a back injury in training.
The former Wigan second-rower suffered the freak injury affecting a disc in his back during a routine session and has since undergone surgery.
Radford begins his tenure as head coach on Sunday when Hull go to Doncaster for their first friendly.
