Dave Challinor gives clear timeframe for Newcastle United loanee Lewis Cass, ex-Sunderland winger Luke Molyneux and Gary Liddle injury return for Hartlepool United

Pools currently have Gary Liddle out with a long term groin injury while Luke Molyneux and Lewis Cass were also sidelined for Tuesday night’s 4-0 win over Stockport County at Victoria Park.

Liddle hasn’t featured for Pools since October but was out running ahead of the game. Cass suffered a hamstring injury during Saturday’s FA Trophy penalty shootout defeat at Halifax Town.

Meanwhile, Molyneux has missed the last three matches with a muscle injury. All three players have been ruled out of Boxing Day’s clash at home to Halifax but Challinor is expecting to see the trio back in action within a month.

“Lidds is back doing some running but we’re probably looking at the middle of January for him without being overly ambitious,” Challinor told The Mail.

“Cass will miss the games up into the new year, he’ll miss the next three so should be back for 9th January at home to Wealdstone. Similarly, Mols will miss Halifax but should be in contention for the Notts County game."

Luke Williams started at Halifax in the FA Trophy before being brought off at half-time as a precaution after scoring a penalty. And Challinor insists the midfielder is fine although he’s in no rush to start him again so soon.

“We’ve been careful with Luke Williams but he’s training and is fine after Saturday,” he added.

"We’re in good shape and we’ve got decent numbers at the moment so we don’t need to force anything at the moment.”

A message from the Football Clubs Editor

Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.

This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.

Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor