Hartlepool United defender set for spell on sidelines after injuring Achilles against Solihull Moors
Hartlepool United manager Nicky Featherstone is expecting Reiss McNally to miss around a month after hobbling off during Saturday's remarkable 4-3 win over Solihull Moors.
The Pools boss revealed that the highly-rated defender, who captained the side for the first time in the West Midlands, looks set for a spell on the sidelines at an inopportune time in the season after injuring his Achilles at the weekend.
Injuries have reduced the 25-year-old to just 18 appearances so far this season after sealing a summer move from National League North promotion-chasers Kidderminster Harriers. Having made such a fine start to life in the North East, McNally was ruled out for almost four months following a serious hamstring strain sustained at the end of September's goalless draw with Brackley Town.
Since returning during December's statement win over National League leaders Rochdale - McNally was thrust into the action much earlier than planned in Lancashire after Jack Hunter trudged off after just seven minutes - the defender has been asked to deputise in several different positions, operating in an unfamiliar right-back role while also lining up on the left side of a back three against title-chasing York City.
Just when McNally, who has drawn plaudits for his assured defending and composure in possession this season, looked to be getting back to his best, he now appears set for another spell on the treatment table as Pools prepare for a potentially pivotal run of matches. With the big games coming thick and fast, McNally could now miss Wednesday night's visit of Carlisle United as well as subsequent home games against strugglers Sutton United and Halifax Town, who are a direct rival for a play-off place.
Depending on the results of a scan later this week, McNally could also be a doubt for the mammoth journey to Truro City, the visit of Eastleigh, a midweek trip to Morecambe and a huge game against Southend United, the current occupants of the coveted seventh spot.
While Pools do have other options in the heart of their defence - Maxim Kouogun has been almost ever-present under Featherstone, Cameron John has proved he is more than capable in the role while skipper Tom Parkes returned from injury at the weekend - McNally's absence could nonetheless prove to be a big blow ahead of a hugely significant few weeks.
"It's not serious but at this stage in the season any sort of injury is quite a big one for us because of the limited games we've got left," Featherstone said.
"I think he could be out for up to a month or so, he's done something to his Achilles when he landed. We've got a scan on that on Thursday, so we should know more on that on Friday or Saturday this week."