Matthew Bates provides injury update on Hartlepool United's Ryan Donaldson

The wideman turned right wing-back pulled up midway through the opening 45 against Eastleigh on Saturday with a hamstring tear.

And while Bates does not yet know the severity of the injury, he knows he will have to do without Donaldson for at least the next three games.

The manager is hopeful, though, that his player will not miss too much National League football.

“We do not really have any news on that yet,” said Bates.

“It is definitely a tear in there, but obviously we hope it is a small one.

“Without really assessing it, it is hard to say how long but we do not expect it will be too long.

“It would be a minimum of two weeks out.”

Donaldson has been without doubt one of Pools’ star men in recent weeks, proving himself invaluable on the right-hand side.

While Bates is disappointed to lose the 27-year-old, he knows a door closing for one player is one opening for another.

“It is bad luck for him,” said Bates.

“But injuries are part of football and we do really hope it is not too serious.

“Ryan has been through a long term injury just last season, so this should be a doddle for him.

“We will keep his fitness up and hopefully he will carry on where he left off.”

Kenton Richardson replaced Donaldson at the Super 6 Stadium on Saturday and is almost certain to used on the right at Halifax.