Caley Thistle pair Carl Tremarco and James Vincent will not recover from injuries in time to play in Thursday’s Europa League second qualifying round away leg against FC Astra.
The English duo missed Thursday’s 1-0 first leg defeat against the Romanian outfit at Caledonian Stadium, with defender Tremarco nursing a hamstring injury, while midfielder Vincent is ruled out with a calf injury.
Both players also missed Saturday’s 1-0 pre-season friendly victory against Nairn County at Station Park, which Caley Jags won thanks to captain Richie Foran’s goal, with Hughes confirming both players will miss out this week’s second leg.
Hughes said: “The two of them are still struggling. They won’t be available for Thursday, that’s for sure.
“It’s disappointing they’ve missed out on these games. But hopefully they’ll be back quick and ready to go.”
A potential third round tie against English Premier Division side West Ham could await Inverness if they can overturn their 1-0 deficit against Astra and the Hammers see of Maltese club Birkikara, with Hughes saying the prospect of an all-British match ought to be a great incentive for his side.
Hughes added: “The tie is still in the melting pot.
“Although we need to get that goal I think the pressure is all on them.
“We all know what the reward is – I would love to see all the supporters going down to West Ham. I would love to be taking them on.
“We still have to make sure we keep ourselves well in the game on Thursday. Hopefully a bit of luck shines on us.”
Hughes said Belgian forward Andre Mbuyi-Mutombo will be given a further chance to impress after starting as a trialist in Saturday’s 1-0 win against County.
Mbuyi-Mutombo played 80 minutes before being withdrawn, but Hughes is keen to assess the former Portsmouth and Standard Liege player, who was most recently with Croatian side NK Istra 1961, again.
Hughes added: “Andre tired in the second half but technically he’s very good. He’s got good pace and plays with good enthusiasm so he did himself no harm.”
The windy conditions proved testing for both sides at Station Park on Saturday, however Caley Thistle took the lead on 24 minutes when Jordan Roberts teed up Foran to crack home a low drive past Calum Antell.
Caley Jags goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams was called into action for the first time on the stroke of the interval, making a fine save to deny Conor Gethins from close range.
His opposite number Calum Antell had to make a string of impressive second-half saves, denying Foran and Roberts as Inverness eased to victory.