HARTLEPOOL United will assess injured trio Jamie Sterry, Reagan Ogle and Marcus Carver before their season opening game against Walsall on Saturday.

All three players missed last night’s 1-1 friendly draw with Sunderland as they warmed up separately from the squad before the game.

Sterry has been absent for a number of friendly games while Ogle picked up a problem in the 3-0 win over Marske United. As for striker Carver, his chances of making the game against the Saddlers look slim.

Manager Paul Hartley said: “Sterry trained the other day. He will train again on Wednesday. Hopefully he can come through this week okay.

“Carver was back doing some light stuff, he could possibly be back next week. Ogle can hopefully be back in on Wednesday.”

Pools did receive a boost on the injury front with the return of defender Euan Murray who started in last night’s friendly game at the Suit Direct Stadium.

Hartley continued: “He was good and he was only planned for 45 minutes. We changed three of the back four at half time but he was always scheduled to play 45 minutes.

“We’ve got to keep people fit and ready for Saturday. We had to give some people 90 minutes because means must and the squad that we’ve got.

“He came through it fine, he’s been training the last week or so and he’s looking good.”

Apart from Sterry, Ogle and Carver, Pools are potentially looking at a clean bill of health heading into the first game of the League Two season.

“There is always bumps and bruises and knocks but hopefully we have come through it okay” added Hartley. “I’ll see the physio and we will see where we are from there.”

This weekend will be Hartley’s first game in English management after taking over in June.