Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor discusses returning loans, injuries and which forward player could be leaving permanently this month

Adam Bale and Myles Anderson have already returned with Anderson featuring off the bench in Tuesday night’s 2-1 win over Eastleigh at Victoria Park.

The defender spent the last month out on loan at Aldershot Town but has returned at an ideal time for Pools as centre-back duo Michael Raynes and Fraser Kerr picked up injuries during the Eastleigh match.

Young midfielder Adam Bale spent the last month at Whitby Town but has since picked up a knee injury that could see him sidelined for a few weeks.

Meanwhile striker Niko Muir will play the final match of his loan spell at National League South side Hemel Hempstead on Saturday before returning to Pools.

United are short of forwards having lost Luke James to a groin injury for the best part of the rest of the season and with Gime Toure currently suspended for the next two matches.

Regarding what happens next, Challinor revealed: “Neeks’ loan is up after the weekend so we’ll see where we’re at with that.

“In terms of his position, will we loan him out to another club? No we won’t.

“I envisage that he’ll either be back with us or if he does move out, he’ll move out permanently but that will be down to him and where he sees himself.

“If nothing happens he’ll be back with us next week. Personnel wise, we’re short on forward players and since losing Luke , we’re still looking to replace him even though we have been trying really hard.”

“Adam Bale has been training with us and he’s picked up a knee injury which we thought was pretty severe, he’s tripped and split open his knee but he’s just had a scan and he’s not too bad.

“We’re seeking another opinion on that because the initial diagnosis was pretty severe then the scan showed a lot less so we’ll see where we are.

“Myles comes back into the fold at a good time as we’ve lost two defenders against Eastleigh so that could work out pretty well ahead of Dover on Saturday.”