Hartlepool United Vs Oldham Athletic, Mon 28 Dec 2009

Hartlepool will be hoping Gary Liddle recovers from injury in time to face Oldham at Victoria Park.

The centre-back was forced off shortly after Pools conceded a second goal in their 3-1 defeat at Leeds on Boxing Day, with Ben Clark coming on in his place.

Clark would be the most likely candidate to fill in should Liddle`s injury prove serious.

Winger Andy Monkhouse is available after serving a one-game suspension, with Leon McSweeney expected to drop to the bench.

Neil Austin showed no ill-effects on his return from a hamstring problem at Elland Road, playing 90 minutes, while forward Colin Larkin came on as a second-half substitute after a hamstring injury of his own and he could feature more prominently against the Latics.

Oldham could be without as many as five first-team defenders.

Reuben Hazell remains suspended after the Boxing Day clash with Tranmere was postponed. The full-back picked up his fifth booking of the season in the recent 2-2 draw at Wycombe and must serve a one-match ban.

Andy Holdsworth is a long-term absentee having undergone surgery on his knee and manager Dave Penney could also be without Joe Jacobson (calf), Kelvin Lomax and Paul Black (both groin).

Keigan Parker is rated doubtful due to illness, but fellow striker Pawel Abbott and winger Chris Taylor may return from their respective hernia and hamstring injuries.

Hartlepool are set to hold a pitch inspection at 10am to determine whether the game can go ahead.

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