Pools boss has a string of players missing and doubtful

The Pools boss has a string of players absent or doubts for Saturday’s visit of Bromley, with seven players under question.

The latest is Luke Williams. He was ruled out of last season through injury, returned for pre-season training and appeared in the last ten minutes of last week’s defeat at Halifax, only to be sidelined again with a different injury.

This time he has bent his knee the wrong way, which leads to swelling and reduced movement.

Speaking at his press conference this morning, Hignett admitted: “Luke has hyper-extended his knee and missed a few training sessions and he needs to get it right. It’s not the knee he had problems with last season, but the other one.

“Josh Hawkes and Luke Molyneux are still coming back, Gus Mafuta wasn’t right the other night with a sore foot, Luke James missed Maidenhead because his Mrs is about to give birth, but was involved the other night.

“Nicke Kabamba has a twisted ankle and struggling, Kenton Richardson the same – it’s a long old list.

“A lot are the forward thinking players as well who can make a difference. A bit of quality helps massively and those are the ones missing.’’

Hignett added: “We had seven the other night who were out or doubts and who probably shouldn’t’ have played but had to. We have to look at the injuries, why we get them and why they are taking so long to clear up.

“You want players like Ryan (Donaldson) – he’s not played pre-season but desperate to get involved again. He’s come in and been fantastic in two games he’s played, he wants to play and those are the characters you need and I’ve got a few of them.

“Some aren’t doing enough to get fit and need to look after themselves a bit better and have more desire.’’