Alzate's return to Tigers training signals timely boost

Hull City head coach Tim Walter has confirmed long-term absentee Steven Alzate is back in first-team training ahead of Saturday's home match against Luton Town.

The Tigers have been without the former Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder for the last six Championship matches but his return to training on Thursday signals a timely boost as Liam Millar, Andy Smith, Mohamed Belloumi and goalkeeper Carl Rushworth remain out.

Walter has also welcomed back winger Abu Kamara, who's missed the previous two games due to an ankle injury, and midfielder Marvin Mehlem.

"Today was the first day for Steven Alzate and today was the first day for Marvin and Abu is back so he is good to go for Saturday," Walter told BBC Radio Humberside.

The German head coach remained slightly more tight-lipped whether or not Alzate would be fit enough to start on Saturday, however.

"I don’t know at the moment but he could be [ready] for Saturday’s match," he added.

"We have to take care and we have to build up the physicality and stability so they are ready to go for the next games."

The Tigers boss stated there had been a delay to Belloumi's surgery on a cruciate ligament injury that will keep him out until the end of the season.

"I don't know where we are we going to do it because of the language, maybe its better to do in an Arabic country or maybe it would be better to do it over here - it is just this decision," he said of the Algerian's proposed operation.

Walter stated the Tigers had picked up no further injuries during the international break while Bayer Leverkusen loanee Gustavo Puerta is expected to fly back to England on Friday from Colombia.

Walter also confirmed that Canadian winger Millar's knee surgery over the international break went "brilliantly".

Listen to the press conference on BBC Sounds