Ashbee captained Hull to promotion to the Premier League in 2008

Hull City captain Ian Ashbee will be out of action for a further eight or nine months after suffering a setback in his bid to return from injury.

The 32-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since May with a knee ligament problem and will have surgery in the United States next week.

"It's a big blow for Ian and a big blow for us," said Hull manager Phil Brown.

Ashbee led the Tigers into the Premier League in 2008 and helped the club avoid relegation last season.

The midfielder missed more than a year of action for Hull four seasons ago after knee surgery.

"He has had a setback with regards to his long-term problem," stated Brown.

606: DEBATE He will forever be remembered by Hull City fans. Hopefully he will get fit and come back better than ever, but I can't see it happening TiGawge

"He is flying across to Colorado on Monday to undergo that surgery. Hopefully the scenario will be rehabilitation and back within eight or nine months.

"We have had long discussions about it. He is in the last year of his contract and has tried desperately to try to get another one. In that inimitable fashion of his he is trying to prove people wrong."

Ashbee suffered the injury playing against Aston Villa and missed the final three games of last season.

Midfielder George Boateng is captaining the club in his absence.

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