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Clark closes on Pools return

Image: Clark: Back in training

Hartlepool defender Ben Clark is closing on his comeback after failing to feature so far this season.

Defender back in training after hernia and groin operations

Hartlepool United defender Ben Clark is closing on a first-team comeback after failing to feature so far this season. The luckless Clark underwent hernia surgery at the start of the season and then hurt his groin during a half-time warm-up on his return, forcing him to undergo another operation. However, the 26-year-old is now making good progress, and could play for the reserves next week after returning to training on Thursday. Director of sport Chris Turner told the club's official website: "It's great to have Ben back involved. "We haven't seen him out with us since the Holland trip and he has had no competitive football really this year. "Sam Collins and Gary Liddle have done well at the back so far but it's great to have Ben coming back to battle for a place alongside Julian Cherel."