HARTLEPOOL United have been dealt a major blow with Rollin Menayese ruled out for the rest of the season with an ankle injury.

The Walsall loanee was stretchered off against Carlisle and will now undergo surgery next week. It's another major setback for Pools in their battle to survive the drop into the National League.

Boss Keith Curle said: “Without getting too technical, he’s going to be out for potentially six months.

“We’re hoping it’s on the short side of six months. He’s going down to London on Monday to have an operation. Obviously we wish him a speedy recovery.

“I spoke to Rollin and told him about where he needs to be mentally, because it’s a mental challenge for him. When he comes back from this he needs to make sure he’s in a good place physically and mentally."

Hartlepool host Colchester on Saturday in what is another huge game at the bottom of League Two and it comes in a decisive period for Pools, who are still working to strengthen their squad ahead of Tuesday night's transfer deadline.

Curle says Pools are in negotiations with four players - but Danny Johnson isn't one of them. Hartlepool were hoping to tempt the in-demand Teessider to the Suit Direct Stadium this month but the striker has opted to stay at Mansfield, says Curle.

"The last update we had was no, he's staying at Mansfield," Curle told BBC Tees.

"He's a good player, he can score goals. We were in four or five weeks ago showing our interest. We got told the player would make a decision at a time that suited himself. We respected that. I'm not going to drag anyone to Hartlepool and force them to play."

Despite that disappointment, Curle insists he's staying calm as Pools push for signings.

He said: "How many payers have we brought in? Five. We are still in negotiations with four at the latter stages. I know we're shopping in the right window. We still have more avenues to explore. We're in a position where we're ready to act again."

One of the players Pools are talking to is a defender, with a replacement for Menayese now needed.

"We’re looking,” Curle told the Hartlepool Mail.

“I’ve spoken to a club, spoken to the player's representative and spoken to the player. We’re just waiting on an answer and a decision.”

Pools host 18th-placed Colchester one spot and two points above the League Two relegation zone.