Cousin out, Bullard doubtful

Hull are without striker Daniel Cousin for tomorrow’s Barclays Premier League trip to Chelsea and record signing Jimmy Bullard is doubtful.

Cousin will be out for at least 10 days following minor knee surgery while midfielder Bullard is awaiting the verdict on scan results after jarring his knee on debut at West Ham last month.

Winger Bernard Mendy, who shone in last week’s 2-2 draw with West Brom, serves a one-match ban while Nick Barmby (calf) is not yet fit to return.

Anthony Gardner (thigh) has been pencilled in to face Sheffield United in the FA Cup next week while George Boateng (knee) is out long term.

Provisional squad: Duke, Ricketts, Turner, Zayatte, Dawson, Geovanni, Ashbee, Marney, Kilbane, Fagan, Garcia, Folan, Doyle, Hughes, France, Manucho, Halmosi, Featherstone, Bullard, Myhill.