Hartlepool look set to be without a trio of players for the FA Cup clash at home to Kettering.
James Brown continues to struggle with the knee injury he sustained in Pools` 1-0 win against Tranmere. He missed last weekend`s trip to Brighton and is unlikely to be risked.
Ritchie Jones, who had impressed on his return to the starting line-up, suffered a thigh problem in the first half of the 3-3 draw against the Seagulls and is not expected to recover in time.
And Leon McSweeney, handed a starting role at the Withdean Stadium, was also unable to start the second half with a foot injury.
Kettering boss Mark Cooper played for Hartlepool between 1996 and 1997 and also masterminded a 2-1 FA Cup victory at Victoria Park while in charge of Tamworth in 2005.
And his side will make the long trip north with a doubt over the fitness of defender Ian Roper
Roper missed the midweek draw with Wrexham and will face a fitness test on his knee before the clash against the League One side.
Midfielder Lee Fowler is again likely to be missing with a hamstring injury, which could mean that Darren Wrack retains his place in the Poppies midfield or Andre Boucaud is another midfield option for manager Mark Cooper.
Winger Mustapha Carayol is fit again after recovering from a torn hamstring, while new loan signing Anthony Elding is again likely to partner Moses Ashikodi in attack.
Elding scored within five minutes of his debut against the Dragons on Tuesday night, while midfielder Simon Heslop has also been given permission to play by parent club Barnsley.
