Treatment trips for Chris Hogg and Paul Hanlon

HIBS stars Chris Hogg and Paul Hanlon face a summer on the treatment table as they bid to overcome the injuries which plagued them over the closing months of the season.

Hogg was struck down with back spasms which saw him miss out on a string of vital games as John Hughes' side battled for a place in Europe while a pelvic problem severely limited Hanlon's ability to train ahead of match days.

Although the vast majority of Hughes' players are now on holiday – the exceptions being Sol Bamba, who is preparing for the World Cup with the Ivory Coast, and Anthony Stokes, involved in a friendly double-header for the Republic of Ireland – the defensive duo are battling to ensure they'll be ready for the start of next season.

Both have been given specific rehabilitation programmes by club physio Colin McLelland who will also be checking on their progress as they report to his treatment room at regular intervals over the coming weeks.

McLelland said: "They will work with me when they need to on strengthening up the key areas. That is more 'prehab' work, ensuring that they work on their weaknesses to make sure they don't get injured again in the future."

McLelland also had good news on crocked Moroccan star Merouane Zemmama, revealing he's having to "hold back" the little playmaker as he recovers from a ruptured cruciate ligament.

He said: "Zouma is our only long-term injury worry. He's doing well and he's great to work with because he is so determined. But we've a set protocol from the consultant he saw in London and it's a case of holding him back a little."

And McLelland revealed Hibs kids Sean Welsh and Lee Currie, promoted from the club's double-winning Under-19 side last summer but yet to feature for Hughes' first team will be ready to fight for their place having recovered from what he described as "nasty" injuries.

The physio told the club's website: "Both suffered knee injuries at roughly the same time but they helped each other get back to fitness.

"Sean came back just before Lee, he was back training before the end of the season and managed to rejoin the first team sessions. Lee was slightly farther behind but he has come through with flying colours. He was working with us for a couple of weeks into the off-season and he is now up to speed. If there was a game tomorrow then both Sean and Lee would be back playing."