Hartlepool United FC vs Notts County - Carl Magnay struggling for Hartlepool

Utility-man Carl Magnay is struggling to make Hartlepool's Boxing Day clash with Notts County at Victoria Park.

Magnay missed Saturday's 2-1 home defeat by Plymouth with the groin injury he suffered in the 2-0 FA Cup second round replay victory over Salford on December 15 and remains a doubt for the weekend.

Full-back Michael Duckworth is facing up to a further four weeks on the sidelines with the stomach strain which has sidelined him for the last two games.

Manager Ronnie Moore is still without striker Billy Paynter (Achilles) and defender Harry Worley (ankle), although loan signings Kal Naismith, Adam Jackson and Jake Gray are not due to return to their respective clubs until after the Newport game on January 2.

Notts County midfielder Stanley Aborah has until Christmas Eve to prove his fitness.

Aborah has been out for the past month with a knee injury but returned as a substitute in the 3-0 loss against Carlisle. His comeback was ahead of schedule and the 28-year-old has suffered a reaction. He must resume training by Thursday in order to be considered for the game on Boxing Day.

Liam Noble misses the festive fixtures due to his four-match suspension while Kyle De Silva has been nursing a knock and will probably not be fit in time for the trip to the north east.

The likes of Jimmy Spencer, Ronan Murray, Genaro Snijders, Julian Jenner and Civard Sprockel are vying for recalls as Notts look for their first away league win since the opening day of the campaign.