The winger has suffered further problems with the groin injury that has dogged him since the African Cup of Nations and will be rested for the remainder of the month.

In an ideal world he would have surgery. But with Bouazza desperate to play in this summer's World Cup he will instead be nursed through the final stages of the league campaign, to allow him to remain fit enough to travel to South Africa and represent his country.

In effect it is a case of postponing the operation he probably requires until after the World Cup.

With a six-week rehabilitation period required after surgery, it means Bouazza will be back during the pre-season and should be fit and ready to go for the start of the Seasiders' next campaign.

But in the short-term it means the 25-year-old won't be available and that is a major blow for Ian Holloway, who – with Pool aiming for the play-offs – wants as many options as possible during the run-in.

"Hameur is going to struggle," said Holloway.

"If we can get him fit for the last six games of the season then my physio will have worked wonders.

"He hasn't been the same since he came back from the African Cup of Nations because he has sore groins.

"We gave him an injection after he returned and he's had another injection since.

"But when the problem comes back as painful as it did within the space of time that it did, it normally means they might need an operation – and that is what's happened with Hameur."

FOR THE FULL STORY SEE TUESDAY'S GAZETTE.