Dawson's 3-month layoff adds to Hull's injury crisis

Hull City captain Michael Dawson will be unavailable for the next three months after sustaining "significant damage" to the MCL in his knee, the club announced Wednesday.

The defender suffered the setback in Tuesday's 1-0 friendly win at Mansfield Town, and joins recent absentee Moses Odubajo in the treatment room.

The injury woes manager Steve Bruce has to contend with in the buildup to Hull's Premier League return are now extremely damaging:

• Michael Dawson - sidelined six months
• Moses Odubajo - sidelined for up to six months
• Harry Maguire - awaiting assessment for ankle injury
• Alex Bruce - sidelined for up to six months
• Allan McGregor - sidelined around six months
• Adama Diomande - will return to training this week
• Tom Huddlestone - sidelined for up to two weeks

The list leaves the Tigers with just 13 fit outfield players.

With the club facing uncertainty over both the future of its ownership and gaffer - Bruce recently interviewed for the England manager's job - the preparations for the new campaign have been far from ideal.

Hull kicks off its season with a visit from reigning league champion Leicester City on Aug. 13.