Hull's Dawson sidelined for three months

London - Hull City have suffered a fresh injury blow after former England defender Michael Dawson was ruled out for three months with a knee injury.

Dawson sustained a significant ligament injury in the Premier League club's pre-season win at Mansfield on Tuesday and will spend the next six weeks in a leg brace.

"Michael is set for a three-month spell on the sidelines after scans revealed the Tigers' skipper suffered a significant medial collateral ligament injury in the pre-season win at Mansfield Town last night," a statement on Hull's website read.

It is another setback as Hull prepare for their return to the top flight after last season's promotion via the Championship play-offs.

Tigers boss Steve Bruce is already without goalkeeper Allan McGregor, defender Alex Bruce and full-back Moses Odubajo for the first half of the season.

McGregor had an operation on his back on Tuesday, Bruce had surgery last week to remove a bony prominence in his foot while Odubajo has ruptured knee ligaments.

Meanwhile, midfielder Tom Huddlestone's ongoing Achilles problem means he will be sidelined for another two weeks, as will Jake Livermore, who has an ankle injury.