Hartlepool United has been dealing with a string of injuries to key players during the early months of the season. Kieran Wallace, a midfielder, is expected to return next week, while Callum Cooke is on track for an early comeback next month.
The team has faced significant setbacks with players like Dan Dodds and Anthony Mancini, who were initially ruled out for the entire campaign due to injuries sustained in August. Additionally, Cooke was anticipated to be sidelined for several months with an ankle injury.
Manager John Askey has also had to manage various minor injuries within his squad, including Wallace, Oliver Finney, and Alex Lacey, who have all been in and out of the lineup this season.
Wallace has been absent since the victory over Dagenham & Redbridge last month due to a leg injury, which initially raised concerns about a potential stress fracture. Although Wallace will miss Hartlepool’s upcoming match against Aldershot Town in the National League, there is hope for his full recovery next week, just in time for Pools’ away game against FC Halifax Town and a home fixture with Rochdale.
On the other hand, Cooke is progressing well in his recovery from an ankle injury he sustained during training. Previously, there were fears that the 26-year-old might be out until the New Year.
However, it has been exclusively reported by The Mail that both Cooke and French midfielder Mancini are expected to make swift returns. Cooke is likely to be back in contention for Askey’s side as early as next month, while Mancini could potentially return by Christmas.
Askey has emphasized the need for the team to focus on their performance in the National League and not rely too heavily on the boost expected from the return of injured players. This advice comes after a disappointing performance in the FA Cup against Chester.
Askey mentioned in an interview with BBC Radio Tees, “Kieran is back to running, and Callum Cooke is also back running. We hope Kieran will be back next week, and Callum, who has recovered faster than anticipated, should return in mid-November. While these returns are encouraging, it’s important to remember that the players need time to regain match fitness.”
Hartlepool United is looking forward to the availability of Oliver Finney and loan defender Charlie Seaman for the upcoming match against Aldershot, as both were excluded from the squad that faced Chester.
Additionally, John Askey, who served a touchline ban the previous weekend, will be back in the Hartlepool dugout, resuming his full managerial duties.
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