Caretaker manager Mike Phelan has admitted that Hull's threadbare squad is not yet in a position to compete at a Premier League standard.
The Tigers have been beset by problems during a tumultuous pre-season, highlighted by Steve Bruce's exit as manager, and are set to face champions Leicester in their opener on Saturday lunchtime with just 13 fit senior players.
The club are yet to make a signing this summer and long-term injuries, especially in defence, have left Phelan to pick up the pieces as he looks to press his own claims to take over the manager's position on a full-time basis.