Premier League: James Chester dislocates shoulder in Hull's defeat at West Ham

Hull defender James Chester is facing a spell on the sidelines after dislocating his shoulder in the 3-0 defeat to West Ham.

Chester was forced off in the first half and the Tigers have not said how long he will be out for.

Hull boss Steve Bruce said the 25-year-old probably needs surgery.

He said: “Unfortunately Chester has dislocated his shoulder, we are awaiting X-rays.

"At this early stage it looks like he probably needs an operation. It adds to the list of injuries which is unfortunate for us at the minute.”

The injury means Hull have ten first-team players out of action.

Bruce admitted he faces a challenge to bring in reinforcements but denied he had bid for Blackburn striker Rudy Gestede. 

"Like every Premier League manager, we’re always trying to improve but it’s very difficult at this particular moment with the window the way it is," he said..

"At the moment we’ve got a shortage of bodies but hopefully in two weeks time we’ll have a few back and that will give us a lift.

"I have never made a bid (for Gestede). We had a conversation with them - apparently an agent made a bid on our behalf, which is news to me and the owner. I don't know where all the nonsense has come from, I can confirm there's no way we have bid £4.5m and we won't be doing so."

The Hull boss hopes, at least, to have a new coach in his ranks as he tries to steer his side out of the relegation zone.

"I wouldn't say I'm close but I've got two or three people to see this week," Bruce added.

"My plan was always to get to these couple of weeks where I can concentrate on getting someone in to give me a hand. We should know more about that by the end of next week."