Hartlepool have been handed a huge injury blow with the news defender Carl Magnay faces six months on the sidelines after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.
The versatile 27-year-old, who has played in all but one of Pools' league games this season, went off just before half-time in Saturday's goalless draw against Mansfield.
Manager Craig Hignett and medical staff had hoped it wasn't too serious, but after a scan yesterday, the extent of the injury was revealed.
Hartlepool's Head Physiotherapist, Ian Gallagher, said: ““Carl has ruptured the ACL and damaged other structures in his left knee joint.
“His scan confirmed our worst fears and now we will have to wait for the swelling to go down before he undergoes corrective surgery.
“Unfortunately, it means that he will be out for a minimum of six months but we will work closely with the surgeon after the operation and follow his protocols.”
Magnay suffered a similar injury to his right knee 2010 when he damaged his anterior cruciate ligament, medial collateral ligament and cracked his kneecap in a reserve game for Chelsea.
He should therefore be well placed to recover from this latest setback, but after being a mainstay in the Pools side this season, and scoring twice in the crazy 3-3 draw with Crewe last month, Magnay's injury is a huge blow to Hignett.
The manager said: “It's a massive setback for us because he's a big part of the squad.
“To lose him for such a length of time is terrible news and I am devastated for him but I have no doubt that he will come back stronger.”
