HARTLEPOOL United are confident that manager Graeme Lee will be able to make the dugout for tomorrow’s League Two games against Swindon Town.

The Pools boss missed last week’s defeat away at Rochdale after testing positive for Covid-19 and has been away from the training ground ever since.

It’s understood Lee has been going regular testing and has gradually recovered towards the back end of the week. However, the club will approach integrating Lee back into dugout with caution to avoid running the risk of further infection to any member of the playing squad, the coaching staff or any other staff at the club.

Assistant manager Micky Nelson took charge of the game last week and is on standby to do the same for tomorrow’s game at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Nelson told BBC Radio Tees Sport: “He was a lot better than he was last Sunday. Hopefully he will be back in the dugout but if not then myself, Sweens (Anthony Sweeney) and the rest of the staff will carry on the duties as we have been.”

Lee is also understood to be eager to get back in the dugout for tomorrow’s game in the hopes of recapturing some form. The club are without a win in their last six games which is a run of form that has seen them drop into the bottom half of the League Two table.

Pools have also been managing a number of injury problems ahead of tomorrow’s game with Timi Odusina, Joe Grey and Nicky Featherstone missing last week’s loss at Spotland.

Jamie Sterry became a concern at the start of the week having pulled out of training earlier in the week but he is expected to be available as Nelson continued: “He joined in part of the session yesterday and he’ll do the full session today so he has declared himself fit for the weekend. 

“It’s a previous injury which he had earlier in the season. He took a knock over the weekend and unfortunately, it flared up again. But it’s settled down quite quickly and he is back in contention for the weekend.”

The club also made the decision to recall forward Olufela Olomola from his loan spell at National League side Yeovil Town earlier this week.

The 24-year-old made eight appearances and scored one goals for the Glovers since making the switch earlier this season. However, Olomola’s recal is not down to a lack of available numbers in the squad.

Nelson added: “Joe Grey won’t be ready for this weekend. Fela gives us a different option in the wide area and as you’ve seen over the last two games, we haven’t filled a bench.”