Injury-plagued Hull midfielder Jimmy Bullard is facing another three weeks on the sidelines.
The 31-year-old suffered a meniscal tear in a training session during the recent international break, and boss Nigel Pearson initially played down concerns about the extent of the injury.
But it has now been confirmed that the former Wigan and Fulham man is expected to be ruled out for almost a month, meaning he will miss the derby clashes with Scunthorpe and Hull, as well as two more Championship games against Barnsley and Preston.
Tigers manager Pearson told the club’s official website: “Jimmy has suffered a meniscal injury to his left knee which will keep him out of action for an estimated three weeks.
“It is important to stress that this is not the knee that he has had surgery on previously.
“Scans have show that he may not need an operation, and as such, it is expected that he will resume training shortly.”