Craig Harrison sets return date for Hartlepool United duo and addresses potential January departure

Attacking midfielder Donaldson has been out of action since October 3, having had to undergo surgery on an ankle injury, while George, currently nursing a hamstring problem, has been plagued by injury this season

Harrison believes Donaldson will be fit in around four weeks - with the 26-year-old pencilled in for a return when Leyton Orient visit Victoria Park on February 3.

And it could be even sooner that we see George, who has endured a stop-start beginning to life in blue and white, back in action.

The combative former Chester midfielder is likely to be available for selection on January 20, when Wrexham are the visitors to the Vic.

“Ryan is a month away, Luke George two weeks,” said Harrison.

Meanwhile, last week the Mail reported that Scott Harrison is on the verge of leaving Pools.

The manager has had his say on whether his central defender will leave, highlighted his lack of options as a potential problem.

He said: “Scotty is our player and we need all out players we can at this moment in time.”

l Micky Barron and Ritchie Humphreys will reunite for a Vic talk-in on January 11. Tickets (£10) can be purchased via the HUFC ticket office, online or over the phone.