Hidemasa Morita
HUL
Center Midfielder
Creative Playmaker
May 10, 1995 (31)
Right
5'10"
152 lb
Continues building match fitness
Morita is continuing to build his match fitness after recovering from a groin injury that limited his involvement earlier this season, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic.
Analysis: Morita is gradually working toward full match fitness after overcoming the groin problem that disrupted his start to the 2026/27 campaign. The midfielder recently returned to full team training and featured off bench 15 minutes in both of the last two games. However, coach Jakirovic's latest comments suggest that Morita still needs additional time to reach the physical level required for regular first-team involvement. He has accumulated just 75 Premier League minutes this season, leaving him short of competitive rhythm compared to his teammates. Although the midfielder appears to have recovered from his injury, his playing time could remain limited in the short term as Hull City gradually increase his workload.
Back among substitutes
Morita (groin) has been named on Hull City's bench for Sunday's Premier League clash with Everton following his return to first-team training.
Analysis: Morita is back in contention after overcoming the groin problem that has restricted his involvement since joining Hull City. The midfielder has accumulated just 45 Premier League minutes this season and recently resumed training with the rest of the squad. His inclusion among the substitutes represents another step toward regular involvement, though he could initially be limited to a short appearance as he rebuilds his fitness.
Could feature against Everton
Morita (groin) has returned to training ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Everton, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic, per BBC. "Morita came back, Brooke Norton-Cuffy came back also in the training session."
Analysis: Morita continues making progress in his recovery from the groin injury that has limited his involvement since joining Hull City. The midfielder had already resumed first-team training during the international break and remains involved with the squad ahead of Sunday's match. Morita has played just 45 Premier League minutes this season and could initially be eased back into competitive action as he rebuilds his fitness. Although his availability has not been explicitly confirmed, his return to training puts him in contention to feature against Everton.
Returns to team training
Morita (groin) has returned to first-team training as Hull City prepare to face Everton on Oct. 11, according to the club.
Analysis: Morita is back in contention after using the international break to complete his recovery and return to work with the first team. The midfielder has been limited to just 45 Premier League minutes since joining Hull due to physical issues early in the season. His return to training gives him sufficient time to build his fitness ahead of the Everton clash, though he could initially be eased back into action following his absence.
Set to resume team training
Morita is expected to return to Hull City first-team training during the first week of the international break, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic, per Hull City News. "Morita is set to return to Hull City first team training during the first week of the international break."
Analysis: Morita will remain unavailable for Saturday's clash against Newcastle as he continues his recovery from injury. The midfielder has played just 45 Premier League minutes since joining Hull, with physical issues limiting his involvement early in the campaign. His planned return to team training during the international break puts him on track to move back into contention once league play resumes.
Expected to miss two weeks
Morita is unlikely to see action in the next league games against Chelsea and Newcastle as he deals with an injury, per manager Sergej Jakirovic, Eddie Lyons of Hayters.com reports.
Analysis: Morita has logged only 45 minutes of Premier League play since moving to the Tigers for the 2026/27 campaign, with injuries keeping him out potentially until after the next international break. Losing the midfielder has been a tough blow to the squad's depth, although his role in the rotation is not clearly defined yet. All of Regan Slater, Matt Crooks (quadriceps) and Lucas Gourna-Douath will be the main options in the central zone until the Japanese is ready to play.
Creates chance in return
Morita registered one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-0 victory against Coventry City.
Analysis: Morita returned to the starting XI and produced one key pass and one block during the opening half before being replaced at the interval. His distribution and ability to progress possession from central areas add a different dimension to Hull's midfield, though his workload may need to be managed as he rebuilds fitness. Once fully up to speed, Morita should be capable of playing an important role in controlling the tempo of matches.
Logs 31 minutes
Morita played 31 minutes off the bench in Tuesday's penalty-kick win over Stoke City in the EFL Cup.
Analysis: Morita was the first Tigers player off the bench in this game and made his presence felt in the shootout, scoring the first penalty for Hull. Morita should see regular playing time in midfield now that he's healthy.
Available off bench Tuesday
Morita (calf) is on the bench for Tuesday's EFL Cup game against Stoke City.
Analysis: Morita was trending toward a return to action Tuesday, and the Japanese midfielder will wait for his opportunity on the bench. If Morita doesn't suffer a setback, he should be an option to face Coventry on Saturday in the Premier League.
Set to return Tuesday
Morita (calf) is set to be involved in Tuesday's EFL match against Stoke City, according to Baz Cooper.
Analysis: Morita missed Saturday's match against Manchester United despite recently returning to training as his fitness continued to be managed carefully. The midfielder has not played competitively since May, so his workload could be limited if he returns Tuesday. Morita's expected involvement is nonetheless an encouraging step toward full fitness, with the summer signing expected to take on a significant role once fully integrated.
Still unavailable Saturday
Morita (calf) is unavailable for Saturday's match against Manchester United.
Analysis: Morita had returned to training and was in contention to make his league debut, but he remains unavailable as the club continues to carefully manage his fitness. The summer signing has not played competitively since May and will now have to wait until at least Aug. 29 to make his league debut. Morita is expected to take on a significant role once fully fit.
Could be option Saturday
Morita (calf) could be an option for Saturday's Premier League opener against Manchester United, according to manager Sregej Jakirovic. "Morita started to train with us, so we will see tomorrow (Friday)," Jakirovic told Hull Live. "Maybe he will be on the bench. We will see if he feels good. He played his last game at the end of May (for Sporting Lisbon), I think, so we have to be careful. We will see, and I will speak with him, of course."
Analysis: While a starting gig looks a bit of a stretch considering that Morita hasn't played a competitive match in nearly three months, it seems the Japanese midfielder could be involved in some capacity Saturday. Morita figures to be a regular starter in the Tigers' midfield once he's 100 percent healthy, but it seems he'll begin Saturday's contest against the Red Devils waiting for an opportunity on the bench.
Out another 10 days
Morita is expected to be away from the pitch for another 10 days due to a calf injury, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic, per Hull Live. "Three weeks ago, he had a calf injury. I think it will be another 10 days away from the pitch for him. He's having medical treatment, and we will try to increase his fitness, and then he will join us"
Analysis: Morita arrived at Hull's team hotel in Maribor on Friday and was with the squad for Saturday's 3-0 win over Konyaspor in the club's preseason opener, though he did not feature. He will continue his individual fitness work when the squad returns to training Monday ahead of Tuesday's match against Rizespor. Morita is expected to gradually build up toward full training and match availability as his recovery progresses.
Transfers to Hull City
Morita has completed a permanent transfer from Sporting Lisbon to Hull City on Friday.
Analysis: Morita joins as a free agent after leaving Sporting CP. The midfielder, who also represented Japan at the 2022 FIFA World Cup but not in the 2026 edition, scored 11 goals and added 16 assists in166 appearances with the Portuguese giants across four seasons. He's expected to be a regular starter in Hull City's midfield in their return to the Premier League, but his fantasy appeal isn't expected to be significant as a defensive-minded midfielder in a team that's expected to fight to avoid relegation.
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