Injury Update
Hartlepool United head coach Lee Clark confirmed that two key players – Chelsea‑loanee goalkeeper Max Merrick and former Morecambe winger Jack Nolan – are on the road to recovery after missing Saturday’s National League loss to Sutton United. Merrick suffered a thigh injury during the win over Aldershot Town, while Nolan sustained a slight injury in the opening‑day defeat to Barrow.
Merrick’s injury was diagnosed as two small tears in his quadriceps. He was sent back to London for a scan and treatment with Chelsea, and has since been in the club’s care. Clark said the goalkeeper “has been with us today for the game” and that his rehabilitation is progressing well. He added that Merrick could be available “mid‑week” for the Bank Holiday fixtures and would certainly be ready for the match against FC Halifax Town.
Nolan, who was ruled out of Saturday’s game after a “whack” against Barrow, trained for a few days before the Aldershot match but was not in full condition. Clark noted that Nolan “couldn’t train at all this week” but hopes the break will allow him to return to the training ground ahead of the Eastleigh game.
Impact on Upcoming Fixtures
The injury update comes as Hartlepool’s perfect start to the season was halted by a 2‑1 defeat to Sutton United, with goals from Temi Babalola and Emmanuel Osadebe. Corey McKeown, the club’s summer signing, reduced the deficit with his second goal in as many games, but the equaliser remained elusive.
With Merrick and Nolan potentially back, Hartlepool will look to regain momentum in the Bank Holiday double‑header. The first leg against Eastleigh will be played at Victoria Park on Friday, followed by the second leg at Halifax’s ground on Sunday. Clark expressed optimism that the duo’s return will strengthen the squad for both matches.
Coach’s Comments
Speaking after the loss, Clark said: “Max felt his thigh after the Aldershot game so he hasn’t trained and being Chelsea’s player, we had to report that so he went back down to London for a scan that showed two small tears in his quad. He stayed down for treatment with Chelsea and he was with us today for the game. His rehab is going well and there’s a possibility he could be with us middle of the week to be available for Friday. If that was the case, he will certainly be available for the Halifax game.”
He added: “Jack Nolan took a whack against Barrow, trained a couple of days leading up to Aldershot, played the game, wasn’t feeling in great condition. This week leading up to this game, he couldn’t train at all so hopefully the week off has been good for him and he can be back on the training ground leading into Eastleigh as well.”
The club has also launched a new WhatsApp HUFC Channel to deliver the latest news, analysis and injury updates directly to fans’ phones.
