Hartlepool United defender Gary Liddle ruled out for 'the foreseeable future' while former Norwich City centre-back Timi Odusina travels to Eastleigh

Liddle hasn’t featured since the 6-0 FA Cup fourth qualifying round win at Ilkeston Town after he suffered a set-back to a groin injury picked up at Chesterfield last month. And manager Dave Challinor said he expects the 34-year-old to be out for ‘the foreseeable future’.

But the Pools boss did receive a defensive boost this week as Timi Odusina returned to training following a hamstring injury picked up in the 5-0 defeat against Torquay United a fortnight ago.

The 21-year-old centre-back has travelled down to Eastleigh and is in contention to be named in the 16-man matchday squad.

“We’re okay injury-wise, Timi has trained for the last couple of days so we’ll see how he is,” Challinor said.

“We’re not going to force him back or risk anything. We’ve got a run of games where we’ve got Saturday, Tuesdays with three very long trips.

"We need everybody fit and in terms of injuries, apart from Lidds, we’re okay and it gives is options.

“Timi is on the coach and will train with us on the way down. He joined in on Tuesday and Wednesday with no ill-effects which has done him the world of good in terms of where he was physically and mentally a little bit.

"He’s been really positive and even if he’s not involved or playing on Saturday, he’s certainly one who will be available for us when we need him.”

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