Michael Woods: Hartlepool fear midfielder's injury lay-off

Woods joined Pools last August after a spell in non-league football with Harrogate Town

Hartlepool United midfielder Michael Woods will miss at least the rest of the season after dislocating his ankle and fracturing the fibula.

Woods, 24, went off on 63 minutes in Saturday's 1-0 win against AFC Wimbledon, having received a lengthy period of treatment on the field.

He joined Pools in August 2014 and has scored once in 27 appearances.

"Michael has undergone a procedure under anaesthetic to put the ankle back," physio Ian Gallagher said.

He told the club website: "The next step now is for us to see the club's consultant as soon as possible and decide whether surgery is the best option."

The loss of a player with top flight experience in ex-Chelsea midfielder Woods is a big blow for Pools, who are battling to avoid relegation from the Football League.

"He's been our best player to be fair and I'm gutted for him," Hartlepool manager Ronnie Moore told BBC Tees.