Hull City signing Jimmy Bullard is fighting to save his career.

The Sun says the injuries are massive blows to Hull and the Gunners in their respective battles for Premier League survival and a top-four place.

Tigers boss Phil Brown was left devastated last night when he discovered £5million record-buy Bullard will not play again this season.

Bullard, 30, travelled to America this week to undergo what should have been routine surgery to repair a tear in his cartilage.

But top-surgeon Richard Steadman discovered a new problem with his anterior cruciate ligament and told the midfielder he would need a second operation.

Bullard now fears he will not even be fit in time for the start of next season, casting serious doubts over his long-term fitness.

The Tigers admit they knew about his initial problem when they signed him from Fulham last month on a 4½-year deal worth £40,000 a week.

Brown was banking on Bullard's quality and experience to help establish his newly-promoted side in the Premier League.