They derailed a promising start to the season when Dan Dodds and Anthony Mancini were given initial season-ending issues and they now persist as Hartlepool struggle for form.
The weekend defeat to Bromley saw Emmanuel Onariase miss out through an untimely illness – an absence boss Askey felt hit his side hard before midfielder Tom Crawford was forced off on the stroke of half-time. Askey has lamented the frequency with which Hartlepool have been hit by significant injuries this season, having also had to make do without midfield duo Callum Cooke and Kieran Wallace for two months of the campaign.
But as we reach the halfway point of the season, Pools still have a number of problems persisting – particularly in defence.
And here, The Mail runs through Hartlepool’s injury report.
5. Dan Dodds
Dodds remains Hartlepool’s longest term injury problem with the young defender to miss the rest of the campaign. Dodds suffered an ACL injury late in the 3-1 over Fylde back in August with the early part of next season the probable return date. The former Middlesbrough man underwent successful surgery in October and is weight-bearing ahead of stepping up his rehabilitation further. Photo: FRANK REID NATIONALWORLD 2022
6. Matt Dolan
Dolan has been limited to just six appearances this season with boss Askey favouring other options in defence and midfield – his most recent appearance coming in his only start of the season against Rochdale. Dolan's injury has not been disclosed other than details provided by Sweeney that the 30-year-old has returned to light training alongside wing-back Seaman, which could suggest he will be available soon. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
7. Anthony Mancini
The hopes of many Hartlepool supporters are resting on the return of the Frenchman who suffered a torn hamstring in August. Mancini is another who had made a fine start to his Hartlepool career before the injury he picked up in the defeat to Chesterfield. The midfielder was originally slated to join Dodds in missing the rest of the campaign before the club received a positive update on his condition after the 22-year-old carried out the initial phase of his rehab in France. Mancini returned to the North East earlier this month before he was paraded around the Suit Direct Stadium ahead of the league draw with Ebbsfleet. Further scan results have suggested Mancini will return sooner rather than later with the midfielder potentially back in contention in a month. Picture by FRANK REID Photo: Frank Reid
8. Tom Crawford
As has been the case for most of the season, when Askey has been able to welcome certain players back another has entered the treatment room - and so it has proven again. A fortnight on from being able to welcome back both Wallace and Cooke, Askey has now lost Crawford to what seemed a serious injury in the defeat to Bromley. Crawford, in an attempt to win back possession for his side, appeared to get his foot caught in the turf as well as colliding with his marker. The midfielder could be seen beating the turf in visible discomfort as he had to be aided off the field. So far there has been no update on Crawford but it may be a surprise if he is fit to face his former side Fylde at the weekend. Photo: FRANK REID