Hartlepool United injury and team news: Rhys Oates to be rested but former Sunderland man Luke Molyneux expected to start in FA Cup match at Ilkeston

Pools’ last match took place 10 days ago as they drew 0-0 with Bromley at Victoria Park.

Ahead of Saturday’s FA Cup tie, Challinor has admitted we won’t see ‘wholesale’ changes from the side who started against Bromley. But Gary Liddle’s return from a groin injury and Rhys Oates suffering a slight hamstring problem has certainly given him some food for thought.

"We’ve got a full selection more or less, Rhys Oates will probably miss out because, although we want to progress, we won’t put anyone at risk that might cost us further down the line,” Challinor said.

“He’s got a slight niggle, had it been a league fixture I’d suggest he could probably play. Lidds has joined in this week, we’ll see where he’s at and there’s a possibility of him being involved either starting or on the bench.”

Luke Molyneux and goalkeeper Henrich Ravas are expected to be handed their first starts of the 2020-21 season at the New Manor Ground this weekend.

Midfielders Josh MacDonald and Tom Crawford could also be given their first real opportunities to impress for the match that will be streamed live on the BBC Sport website.

“There will be changes on Saturday but there won’t be wholesale changes,” Challinor told The Mail.

“We've gone 10 days without a game so everyone is raring to go and everyone in the squad will feel they should be in the team – we’ll go into the game with a strong team.

"Mols will start, he’s one who has been unfortunate after doing well through pre-season then suffered a big set-back through having covid.

“Henrich will play, I don’t need to hide too much, he was brought in late through the back end of pre-season.

Ben [Killip]did well through pre-season and started the season strongly but he’s under a bit of pressure with Henrich coming in and it’s really healthy competition.

"He’ll play Saturday and hopefully prove that we’ve got two really strong goalkeepers here.”

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