Hull City winger Sorba Thomas walked away without injury after his car flipped over near the club's Cottingham training base on Friday morning, the club has confirmed.
The incident reportedly took place at around 9am, when Thomas's Land Rover Defender, fitted with a personalised number plate, ended up on its roof on a narrow residential road close to the training ground. Photos circulating on social media showed the overturned vehicle, while emergency services, including fire engines and police, were seen attending the scene. Hull manager Sergej Jakirovic was also pictured at the location.
In a statement, Hull City sought to reassure supporters about the wellbeing of their recently signed winger. "Hull City is relieved to confirm that Sorba Thomas is unharmed following a road traffic accident near to the club's Cottingham training ground," the statement read. "The club is aware of images of Sorba's car circulating on social media and can reassure supporters that he has sustained no injuries and emerged from his vehicle completely unscathed."
Despite the shock of the crash, Thomas is expected to be included in the squad that travels to face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. The Wales international arrived at Hull from Stoke City on deadline day and made his first appearance for the club last weekend in a draw against Aston Villa.
Speaking before news of the crash emerged, Jakirovic had already expressed confidence in his new signing, highlighting the qualities that persuaded the club to bring him in. "I don't have any doubt about Sorba because he made a difference in the Championship (at Stoke)," the Hull boss said. "He is a left winger and we can use him inside like a left (sided) number 10. He knows football. He is very good in delivery and his end product is good. Also, he has very good set-pieces."
Jakirovic went on to praise Thomas's athletic attributes and defensive discipline, adding that the winger fits well into his plans. "He is sharp and has speed. Also, in defence, he is very responsible. I think he suits us a lot. Like always, I hope he can help us."
Attention now turns to a daunting away trip to Chelsea, who have been in fine attacking form this season. Asked how his side might approach containing the Blues' potent front line, Jakirovic offered a light-hearted response before turning serious about the scale of the challenge ahead.
"To kick them? No, if you are there man-marking, you don't have chance," he said. "So, it's very, very simple because they are capable to pass one, two, three players. It's about being together – compact team, team effort and defending as a team, and we will see."
The Hull manager acknowledged the gulf in quality his side will face at Stamford Bridge but insisted his players would embrace the occasion. "But they have very, very big quality and it will be very, very demanding for us. Tough, but we will see. Like I said, it's a great challenge ahead of us, and we will try to play."
With Thomas cleared to travel despite Friday's dramatic scare, Hull will be hoping their newest addition can make an early impact as they look to cause an upset against one of the division's most in-form attacking sides.
Based on reporting from Independent Football.