Dogukan Sinik fitness update emerges as Turkish international edges closer to Hull City return

Hull City head coach Tim Walter says the club's medical staff will continue to take it steady with Dogukan Sinik as they attempt to nurse the winger back to fitness.

Sinik remains on course to return next month after his latest injury lay-off hampered his hopes of getting a full pre-season under his belt, and kicking off the season.

The 25-year-old is back in light training and has been featuring with the rest of the first team squad, though he's still not yet ready for contact work, with Walter describing him as a 'floater' during some sessions.

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Sinik, who was a £4m signing two years ago when he arrived from Antalyaspor, has amassed just 367 minutes of action in the Championship across 13 appearances in that time. He has been farmed out on loan in a bid to play regular football, going back to Antalyaspor and then he ended last term back in the Super Lig with Hatayspor.

It was hoped a trip to Germany during the summer to try and step up his recovery would do the trick, but unfortunately, he has been besieged by setbacks, so Walter is keen to take things one day at a time.

"He's on the pitch, but with no touch and with no contact, so he's a floater," Walter told Hull Live. "He was a floater in the training session, but just one time. We have to do it step by step.

"It's all about muscle injuries in his leg and it's always the same. It's like a re-injury from the same position, and then you have to be more careful with him, so that's important."

Meanwhile, Gustavo Puerta's omission from the squad at Stoke City last Friday night is thought to be solely down to selection, and the midfield options Walter has at his disposal.