Pools defender ruled out for six weeks

Hartlepool manager Chris Turner is facing up to the prospect of having Neil Austin sidelined for over a month.

The defender was forced off after a heavy challenge from Rochdale defender Joe Widdowson during Saturday's draw at Spotland and X-rays confirmed there was no fracture. However, the club have confirmed he will be missing for up to six weeks.

Club physio James Haycock said: "There was quite a lot of swelling after the game on Saturday and it's still a little swollen but we're thankful the x-ray results were negative."

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