The future of Hartlepool United defender Kieron Freeman is uncertain after sustaining an injury the day before his short-term contract ended.

The 32-year-old was initially signed as cover for the injured Dan Dodds and has excelled during his brief spell at the Prestige Group Stadium. He made seven appearances and set up Mani Dieseruvwe’s winning goal in last week’s triumph against Boston.

However, the veteran defender, who gained promotion to the Premier League during a successful period with Sheffield United, was forced off 15 minutes into last Saturday’s 1-0 defeat to bottom club Ebbsfleet due to an apparent injury when taking a free-kick.

It was particularly unfortunate timing for Freeman because his injury coincided with Dan Dodds’ return and the expiration of his short-term contract, which expired 24 hours after the trip to Kent.