Bates still out for Pools
Hartlepool are again expected to be without Matthew Bates for the Sky Bet League Two clash with Newport at Victoria Park.
The 27-year-old defender is still having treatment on a calf injury which forced him to miss last week's loss at Cambridge.
Stuart Parnaby and Jack Compton remain sidelined with knee injuries, having both been missing for more than a month now.
New boss Paul Murray must decide whether to restore veteran striker Marlon Harewood to the starting line-up after he did well when coming on at half-time at Abbey Stadium.
Newport have an injury crisis on their hands ahead of the long trip.
In addition to a sickness bug sweeping through the camp, boss Justin Edinburgh will check on a number of his walking wounded with injury worries in almost every position.
Long-term absentees Robbie Willmott, Byron Anthony and Rene Howe join wing-back Ryan Jackson (hamstring), midfielder Adam Chapman and striker Danny Crow (both ankle) on the sidelines while Chris Zebroski's possible concussion makes him a doubt.
Kevin Feely (toe) and Darren Jones (muscular injury) are expected to play through the pain while the Exiles will keep an eye on Mark Byrne, Yan Klukowski and Mike Flynn who have all been suffering in recent weeks.
Source: PA
