Ben Austin is unlikely to figure when Eastbourne Borough attempt to bounce back from their heartbreaking FA Cup exit in midweek.
Borough coach Nick Greenwood is banking on his players putting the disappointment of their fourth qualifying round defeat to Conference full-timers Stevenage behind them against Welling United in the FA Trophy on Saturday but they look like having to do it without the influential midfielder.
Austin limped off in the first half of the 1-0 replay defeat at Broadhall Way Stadium. He has been one of Borough's most impressive players since their promotion to the Dr Martens premier division this season.
Greenwood said: "Ben's recurring back problems have been pretty chronic over the past few weeks and he has not been helped by the hard pitches.
"I think it is unlikely he will play against Welling while Matt Crabb, who has a sore ankle, and Stuart Playford with a sore shin will require treatment but hopefully at least one of them will play."
Striker Ben White could return after warming the bench in both the first game against Stevenage at Priory Lane last Saturday which ended in a 2-2 draw and also the replay.
However, White is also suffering from the flu bug which ruled defender Steve Yates out of the replay.
Boss Garry Wilson and Greenwood hope the players suffer no cup hangover when Welling, who are struggling in the bottom half of the Dr Martens premier division, visit.
Greenwood said: "The two games against Stevenage will give us confidence but ultimately it is a question of how the players respond to the defeat.
"I can talk about confidence but it is up to the players. They have got to get over the defeat and get back to business against Welling."
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