Josh Umerah's Hartlepool United absence explained as ex-Sunderland defender is forced off in Walsall draw

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Josh Umerah was left out of John Askey’s Hartlepool United squad as a precaution after missing training ahead of the 3-3 draw with Walsall.

Askey took to the Suit Direct Stadium dugout for the first time as his side claimed another dramatic draw having fought back from 3-1 down with two stoppage time goals.

And Askey’s task was made even more challenging after he was made to leave out star striker Umerah from his first Hartlepool squad.

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Umerah remains Hartlepool’s leading scorer this season - three of which came in January as he scooped the PFA fans' player of the month award, but after the club confirmed the 25-year-old had missed training in the run up to the fixture with the Saddlers, Umerah was left out by Askey.

Josh Umerah missed Hartlepool United's draw with Walsall. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News)Josh Umerah missed Hartlepool United's draw with Walsall. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News)
Josh Umerah missed Hartlepool United's draw with Walsall. (Credit: Michael Driver | MI News)

But Askey admits he was erring more on the side of caution before suggesting Umerah is likely to return for the trip to Tranmere Rovers.

“It was probably a bit more precautionary than anything because we felt if he played again he could be out for a while,” said Askey.

“So by giving him that rest he should be raring to go on Saturday.”

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Peter Hartley undergoes treatment during Hartlepool United's 3-3 draw with Walsall. (Photo: Michael Driver | MI News)Peter Hartley undergoes treatment during Hartlepool United's 3-3 draw with Walsall. (Photo: Michael Driver | MI News)
Peter Hartley undergoes treatment during Hartlepool United's 3-3 draw with Walsall. (Photo: Michael Driver | MI News)

Askey was handed a defensive issue during the draw with Walsall as centre-back Peter Hartley was taken off midway through the second half.

Hartley went down to receive lengthy treatment after a collision in the Walsall penalty area before minutes later he went down again off the ball.

“Peter got a concussion so I’m just hoping that he’s going to be available because I thought he did really well for us,” said Askey.

“I’m just hoping we can get one or two back.”

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