Bowyer: No time frame for Vassell return
The 24-year-old, who has 12 goals to his name this season, picked up the injury towards the end of the 2-2 draw against Barnet at the end of February.
He is expected to remain out of contention for the majority of the season although Bowyer did initially say there was a chance he could return for the final games of the campaign.
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Hide AdBut the Pool boss has refused to put a time frame on his return as he continues his long recovery.
“I think it’s unfair to put any time frame on Vass," he said. "He’s progressing nicely but at this moment in time he’s come out of the boot he had to wear initially.
“So he’s making good progress but you have to be really careful with these metatarsals.
“I had a similar experience with Jason Lowe at Blackburn and he kept coming back, breaking down, coming back and breaking down and he ended up having to have an operation.
“That’s the last thing we want for any player.”
Bowyer is hopeful Brad Potts and Jordan Flores will be fit for this Saturday's trip to Newport County after the pair limped off with knocks against Stevenage on Tuesday night.