Definition: In this task, you will be presented with a passage and have to answer a question based on your understanding of the events inferred from the passage. Try to find the best answer that is most likely to fill in "_". Note that the URLs in the text have been replaced with [Link].
Input: Mark Hughes has accused Steve Bruce of trying to ‘defend the indefensible’ over Maynor Figueroa’s tackle on Stephen Ireland that left the Stoke City midfielder with a deep gash in his calf. The Hull City manager responded to Hughes’ anger at the incident by insisting Ireland should already have been sent off following ‘the worst challenge on the pitch’ on David Meyler at the Britannia Stadium. A picture of Ireland’s bloody leg was revealed in the aftermath of the match but Bruce said: ‘I could show you a picture of Figueroa's ankle, he had five stitches in it and carried on.’Stephen Ireland forced off after Maynor Figueroa tackle on SaturdayHull City defender scraped studs down back of Ireland's calf in defeatSteve Bruce claims Ireland should have been sent off earlier in the gameMark Hughes angered by Bruce and says he should accept Figueroa's errorStoke City boss says Hull counterpart is trying to 'defend the indefensible' 
 Question:Hughes added: ‘It looks likely _ is unavailable for two to three weeks.

Stephen Ireland