Hibs’ defender Tom James will be out for several weeks after sustaining ligament damage to his right ankle.
The new signing had to be substituted during the club’s 1-0 win over St Mirren on the opening day of the Ladbrokes Premiership season after a late challenge from Ilkay Durmus.
The St Mirren player escaped punishment for the challenge.
The initial hope was that the injury would settle down but after a medical examination the club has revealed that he will now miss the next few games.
With David Gray and Lewis Stevenson also missing due to injury, only Steven Whittaker and Sean Mackie are recognised fullbacks although Darren McGregor and Paul Hanlon could deputise in emergencies.
Head Coach Paul Heckingbottom said: “It’s a shame for Tom because he’s settled in well since signing in the summer and worked had to earn a starting slot in that first league game against St Mirren.
“We hope he responds well to treatment and we won’t be without him for too long.
“In the meantime, it gives someone else an opportunity to stake their claim.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
