Darko Gyabi, Óscar Zambrano and Kieran Dowell were among the players omitted from Hull’s 25-man registration list, leaving them unable to feature in the league until the squad can be amended during the winter transfer window.
The situations are different for each player. Gyabi and Zambrano had both been affected by injuries, while Dowell has continued training despite knowing he would not be available for Premier League selection.
The midfielder has not played competitively since Hull’s Carabao Cup victory at Stoke City in August, when he scored a powerful equaliser before the Tigers went on to win the tie.
Zambrano had been expected to leave on loan earlier in the season, but injury disrupted those plans. Now back fit, he has been away with Ecuador and could be allowed to move temporarily in January in search of regular football.
Gyabi is also working towards a return to contention. The former Leeds United midfielder recently featured for the Under-21s against Derby County, while his latest appearance against Fleetwood Town was another opportunity to build match fitness.
Jakirovic admitted the players had been aware of the decision, although he accepted that the conversations took place later than ideal.
“They knew that they would not play. We spoke with them a little bit late, but this is our decision, also the club's decision,” the Hull City head coach told Hull Live.
“We also knew that we would bring players, new players, to this position, and now we will try to keep them in form with the Under-21s so that they can maybe go on loan or, I don't know, maybe sell in January.”
The coach said the injury situations had made the decision easier in the cases of Gyabi and Zambrano.
“For Zambrano and Darko, it's not so difficult because they had injuries. Zambrano on two occasions, and Darko has also had surgery, so it's OK. He's back in training sessions and has been very active.”
Dowell’s position is more complicated. His contract expires next summer, and a January departure could allow him to find a club where he can play regularly rather than spend the remaining months of his deal outside the league squad.
Gyabi, by contrast, remains under contract until 2028, with Hull holding an option to extend it by another year.
Abdulkadir Ömür is another player yet to feature despite being included in the registered squad, although his current absence is related to injury rather than the registration decision.
For Jakirovic, the immediate priority is to ensure those outside his Premier League plans do not lose fitness before the next opportunity arrives. January could bring loan moves, permanent departures or a chance for some to force their way back into consideration.