Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor gives time frame on Peter Kioso injury return as four players expected to miss FA Cup clash at Exeter City

Luke Molyneux (foot) and Luke Williams (hamstring) are nearing returns while Gavan Holohan (back) is expected to remain sidelined after missing Tuesday night’s impressive 5-1 win at Chesterfield.

Peter Kioso picked up a concussion in the closing stages at the Proact Stadium but is expected to be back in action sooner rather than later with his injury not as bad as first feared.

“I hope he’ll be back for the next league game,” said Hartlepool manager Dave Challinor.

“He wasn’t knocked out and if he was we’d be looking straight away at least two weeks out definitely.

“We can assess him daily and follow the protocol and once he’s symptom free in terms of doing a bike, cross trainer and having a run and see if there’s any reaction to it and it’s that sort of process really.

“I’m disappointed he’ll be missing out on Sunday for him as well as us because it’s a big game.

“Bigger picture, hopefully we’ll have him back for the Woking game.

“Gav wasn’t involved on Tuesday and he’s had a niggle with his back since before I came to the club and Saturday’s game was probably one too far for him and people said he didn’t look like his usual self and by his own admission he said he probably shouldn’t have played.

“He’s feeling it around his lower back and we’ll just have to manage that but I don’t expect him to be out for too long either.

“Both Lukes are back on the grass and they’re gradually getting back and doing some work. Aside from that, we’re in good shape and good spirits and everyone wants to play.

“With where we’re at, all of them will be involved anyway because of the seven substitutes so it’s a big opportunity for everyone and it’s one we’re all relishing.”

Challinor is unbeaten in his first four matches as Pools manager but will face his toughest test so far at St. James’ Park with a place in the FA Cup third round up for grabs.