This weekend, Wembley Stadium will host the Championship, League One, and League Two play-off finals on three consecutive days.

As has often been the case, the two second-tier sides will kick off proceedings in North London, leaving Hull City and Middlesbrough to compete for a place in the Premier League.

The Tigers overcame Millwall in their two-legged semi-final, with a 2-0 success at The Den after a goalless draw proving decisive, whilst the outcome of the well-documented ‘spygate’ scandal involving themselves and Southampton saw Kim Hellberg’s side reinstated to the play-offs after Saints’ expulsion, as well as a four-point deduction for next term, was upheld by a league arbitration panel on the night of Wednesday, May 20th.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty, Saturday’s final was originally scheduled for 4:30PM if Hull were to face Saints, but that has already been adjusted to 3:30 as they prepare to face the men from Teesside.

With so much at stake, including at least £200 million in prize money, it will come as no surprise that all of the players on Sergej Jakirovic’s and Hellberg’s teams will train hard in order to secure a spot in their respective 20-man matchday squads.

Some, however, will be less lucky, and Football League World has identified the players who are unlikely to have a role on the pitch.

Hull City’s Eliot Matazo

While Hull have had a stunning upturn in fortunes, this has coincided with the terrible story of Belgian midfielder Eliot Matazo, who was purchased from AS Monaco for £3 million last January.

Despite performing in a few games under Ruben Selles, the midfielder suffered an ACL injury to his left knee against Cardiff City in February 2025 and had a number of challenges in recuperation, despite being named to a matchday squad against Millwall in March.

Following another setback in the build-up to an Under-21s game against Sheffield United, the 24-year-old returned to the bench as an unused replacement in draws against Birmingham City and Leicester City before being named to the starting lineup at Charlton Athletic three days later.

Unfortunately, Matazo’s first start in 14 months was cut short after 11 minutes, with it later revealed that he had suffered the identical ACL injury, this time in his right knee, sidelining him for an additional lengthy spell.

Toby Collyer

In the lead-up to Saturday’s final, it was reported that Cody Drameh, Amir Hadziahmetovic, and Toby Collyer could all return to training and possibly play in the final.

However, the Manchester United loanee has been the unlucky member of the trio, with Jakirovic revealing in his pre-match press conference that his season, in terms of minutes, was ended.

The 22-year-old’s two loan periods with City and West Bromwich Albion this season have been marred by fitness difficulties, but he is expected to watch his loan team from the stands.

Kyle Joseph

Kyle Joseph will also miss the final after being sent off in the last minutes of the first half at The Den due to a violent challenge from Millwall winger Thierno Ballo.

The 24-year-old sustained a major ankle injury in the process, limiting Jakirovic’s attacking options as it has been stated he may be on the rehabilitation trail for a 10-week period, which might extend into the start of the 2026/27 season regardless of City’s divisional standing.

Joseph was seen celebrating with his teammates at full-time wearing a protective boot, and despite the influential Mohamed Belloumi, who scored and assisted Joe Gelhardt’s crucial second in SE16, City fans will be devastated that the eight-goal forward will have to watch from the stands.

Middlesbrough

Alfie Jones

Alfie Jones reportedly paid roughly £3 million to go from the MKM Stadium to the Riverside 10 months ago. However, the centre-back is expected to miss the play-off final.

The 28-year-old made an impressive start to his Middlesbrough career in terms of defensive performance under Hellberg and his predecessor, Rob Edwards, but suffered a devastating ankle injury against Blackburn Rovers in December and underwent surgery.

Jones was anticipated to miss the rest of the season, and he may also miss out on a spot on Canada’s World Cup roster, considering the country is also the host nation.

Alex Bangura

Alex Bangura’s season has also been marred by injuries, with some claiming that the Sierra Leone international will be content with a bench spot.

The full-back missed both play-off semi-finals against Saints, having struggled with fitness issues since being removed 34 minutes into the 2-2 draw at Swansea City on Easter Monday, shortly after scoring an impressive goal himself.

However, there is a slim probability of a matchday squad appearance, according to reports.

Tommy Conway

Tommy Conway, who suffered an ankle injury in the second half and had to leave the St Mary’s pitch in tears, is a certain absence.

The Scotland international is scheduled to have surgery on the problem, and as a result, he was left out of Steve Clarke’s World Cup squad despite scoring 13 goals and appearing in all 46 regular-season games this season.

In his pre-match press conference, Hellberg expressed concern for the 23-year-old’s absence, stating that he has been a regular starter and one of the team’s best players in recent games. He has demonstrated exceptional running ability from the left and has done numerous good things.”He’s been fantastic to me, the team, and the supporters by fighting for this club,” the Swede added.He will travel with us and do whatever he can to help the lads.”