Hartlepool United will discover the full extent of striker Luke Charman's injury this week after the forward limped out of last weekend's pre-season friendly against Grimsby Town.
Immediate situation
Manager Lee Clark confirmed Charman is scheduled for a scan on Monday to determine the severity of the problem. The club said the former Darlington and Rochdale player had spent time on crutches following the knock but had progressed to walking unaided ahead of the scan.
“He’s not on the sticks anymore so he’s walking without those, which is great news. He has a scan on Monday so until we find out that, we can’t really comment any further on how long that will be. It’s a big blow because I thought when he came on last week, he did really well. Fingers crossed we get the best news possible over that.”
Clark told the club website he was relieved Charman could walk without crutches, but stressed the scan is necessary before any prognosis can be offered. He added that the results could represent "a big blow" to the club depending on the diagnosis.
Background and importance
Charman missed the closing months of the previous campaign after suffering a serious ankle injury in a win at Solihull Moors. He returned to fitness over the summer and signed a new contract at Victoria Park in the hope of featuring in the upcoming National League season.
Earlier in pre-season Charman had appeared to be finding form, scoring in the friendly against Hebburn Town. His setback against Grimsby — a League Two side — therefore represents an unwelcome interruption to his preparation for the campaign.
What the club now face
- Immediate diagnostic scan to establish whether the problem involves soft tissue, bone or the previously injured ankle.
- Potential recovery timeline will follow once results are known; options could range from short rest and physiotherapy to a longer absence if the injury is serious.
- Managerial decisions over squad selection and tactics if Charman is unavailable at the start of the season.
Pools supporters will be watching closely: Charman's return to consistent fitness was seen as a boost after last season's disruption. The club have not released further medical details ahead of the scan.
Where this leaves Hartlepool United
Pre-season friendlies are used to build match sharpness and assess players' readiness. Losing a forward who had regained form and agreed fresh terms with the club is unwelcome at any stage, but especially as the opening fixtures draw nearer.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Player | Luke Charman |
| Previous issue | Serious ankle injury late last season |
| Recent form | Scored in pre-season friendly at Hebburn Town |
| Current status | Walking unaided; scan scheduled |
Clark has already indicated the club are bracing for the scan outcome and will provide an update after the medical report. For now, the manager's remarks underline the uncertainty; the hope within the squad and among supporters is for the best possible news once the results are known.
I will report developments after the club issues further information or when results of the scan are released.
