Joe Gelhardt
HUL
AM
Playmaking Forward
May 4, 2002 (24)
Left
5'10"
143 lb
Hull CityReturns off bench in cup defeat
Gelhardt (ankle) returned to action in Tuesday's 1-0 Carabao Cup defeat to Sunderland.
Analysis: Gelhardt made his first appearance since returning to Hull City after an ankle issue delayed the start of his season. The forward had a major opportunity to equalize late in the match but sent Sorba Thomas' cross over the bar from close range. After scoring 15 goals in 42 Championship appearances last season, Gelhardt should provide another option in attack once he has rebuilt his match fitness, with his 31-minute outing against Sunderland representing a first step back into competitive action.
Makes bench in EFL Cup
Gelhardt (ankle) is on the bench for Tuesday's EFL Cup match against Sunderland.
Analysis: Gelhardt had resumed full training last week, and while the draw against Villa this past weekend came too soon for him, the striker will be an option off the bench for this Cup tie. Gelhardt scored 15 goals in 42 matches in the 2025/26 Championship season.
Back in team training
Gelhardt (ankle) returned to group training this week after arriving at Hull City with an ankle injury, according to coach Sergej Jakirovic.
Analysis: Gelhardt's return to full-team work represents an important step after the ankle issue disrupted his preseason and kept him out during the opening weeks of the campaign. With Hull City facing Aston Villa on Saturday, the forward could potentially make the squad, although his lack of recent match action may make a role off the bench more realistic if he's cleared to feature.
Could return to training next week
Gelhardt (ankle) could return to group training next week, manager Sergej Jakirovic told Hull Live. "I'm expecting him [Gelhardt] next week on the pitch with the team, so I hope he will be fine."
Analysis: Gerhardt picked up an ankle problem in the preseason, and while the initial expectation was that he'd miss the first few weeks of the campaign, he could beat that timeline. If he returns to group training next week, there might be an outside chance that he could be an option to come off the bench against Coventry City next Saturday, Aug. 29.
Set to miss first weeks
Gelhardt is set to miss the first couple of weeks of the season with an ankle problem picked up in preseason, Baz Cooper of Hull Daily Mail reports.
Analysis: Gelhardt picked up a right ankle issue in preseason while still at Leeds United, with Hull City manager Sergej Jakirovic confirming he is expected to miss a couple of weeks. The forward will need to complete his recovery before gradually increasing his training workload and working toward a return to selection, while his progress will determine when he can resume full involvement. The setback comes shortly after his permanent move to Hull City, where he previously enjoyed two productive loan spells and scored 20 goals in 64 appearances.
Not involved with knock
Gelhardt has a knock and won't be involved in Saturday's final friendly against Nice, according to Baz Cooper of the Hull Daily Mail.
Analysis: Gelhardt recently completed his permanent move to Hull from Leeds, scoring 20 goals in 64 appearances across two loan spells at the club over the last 18 months, including the tie clinching goal in the playoff semifinal win over Millwall that sealed promotion. This minor setback comes so soon after his permanent switch, and his path back into contention will be worth monitoring as Hull ends its preseason preparations ahead of the club's return to the Premier League.
Completes Hull City return
Gelhardt has completed a permanent transfer to Hull City from Leeds United, signing a four year contract with a club option for a further year, according to the club.
Analysis: Gelhardt scored 20 goals in 64 appearances across two loan spells at Hull City over the last 18 months, including 15 last season, second on the team only to Oliver McBurnie, and scored the tie clinching goal in the playoff semifinal second leg win over Millwall that sealed promotion to the Premier League. The 24 year old forward, who came through Wigan Athletic's academy and made 35 Premier League appearances for Leeds United, now returns to Hull on a permanent basis as the club prepares for its return to the top flight.
Departs Hull City
Gelhardt will leave Hull City following the conclusion of his second loan spell, the club announced.
Analysis: Gelhardt scored 20 goals across 64 appearances over two separate stints spanning 18 months, establishing himself as one of the most important attacking figures at the MKM Stadium during a significant period in the club's history. Gelhardt first helped Hull avoid relegation in 2024/25 with five goals in 20 outings including a decisive brace of penalties against Preston, before returning for a full season loan in which he netted 15 goals and six assists across 44 Championship appearances, highlighted by eight goals in 10 consecutive outings, a stunning free-kick at Wrexham and an immediate impact off the bench in the play-off semi-final second leg against Millwall.
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