Liam Manning reveals the latest on Yu Hirakawa after the Bristol City Olympics debacle

Liam Manning admitted that Bristol City did not yet have a full idea of ​​how long Yu Hirakawa would be sidelined after the summer arrival was forced to leave the opening game of the Olympics in Japan on a stretcher.

Japan beat Paraguay 5-0 on Wednesday but also saw the City side stretch out after a nasty challenge from Wilder Viera on his right ankle.

Although a time frame has yet to be set, the Robins head coach did not seem confident that the problem was not as bad as it appeared and the winger appears to have been set on the sidelines for some time, making it far from be ideal. begins his term in the city.

“We are in touch with them (Japan’s medical staff),” Manning revealed after the Robins beat Cheltenham Town 3-0 in a pre-season friendly on Friday night. “Paul Tanner, the head of the medical department, is in contact with them. He’s had scans and we’re currently being assessed. Consultants look at it and we have to translate all that is and more. difficult, but now we’re working hard to make sure we’re doing what’s right for Yu.

“We are in dialogue with the Japanese Olympic staff, once we have the results confirmed, we will make a decision.

“Of course,” added City’s head coach, this is a frustrating start to life in red and white for the 23-year-old. “It’s not ideal for anyone, him or us. But then again he’s someone who we know has a quality that we really like. Of course, it’s not ideal.

“We would have liked him not to have picked up the injury and sit out the tournament and then hit the ground running with us when he comes back. We’ll have to see where he is and see the extent of the injury before we make a plan for him. “

Yu made history earlier this summer by becoming City’s first Japanese player by joining on an initial loan deal from J-League side Machida Zelvia and could become a permanent addition in January when his contract with the Japanese outfit expires . Bristol Live understands this is a very likely scenario, assuming they impress in BS3 beforehand.

However, injury complicates matters slightly now, with the wide man extremely likely to miss the start of the season, which could have been the case regardless of the setback due to his participation in the Olympics with Japan.

The Robins begin their Championship campaign with a trip to Hull City on August 10, just over two weeks away, and currently boast a 100% record in pre-season friendlies, with wins at Newport County, Aldershot Town and Cheltenham so far before him. hosts Exeter City at HPC on Saturday afternoon.