Myles Weston suffered a setback on his return from injury last week.

The influential Ebbsfleet forward had been earmarked for a return in the National League game at home to Woking.

But Weston's long-awaited comeback was put on hold after he picked up a groin injury in training.

“He was all set and ready to go against Woking,” confirmed Ebbsfleet boss Kevin Watson.

“He probably wouldn’t have started but he was going to be involved.

“He got a groin niggle in training the day before when he put himself through a rigorous test to see if he could play.

“I’m not sure how long it will be. Calum (Green, physio) gives me updates every day.

"It’s a little bit sore still, he can’t strike a ball with his right foot. He is a big miss for us at the minute.

“He is a player that carries us up the pitch. When you’re under the cosh and defending, you need someone to pick it up sometimes and not just clip it down channels but to run it down the pitch, and Westy is that player.”

Weston has not featured since he pulled his hamstring in the home defeat to Dover at the end of December.

It is the kind of setback that Watson has learnt to deal with during his time in charge at Stonebridge Road.

Still unable to field new signing Michael Timlin due to a transfer embargo, Watson is also having to cope without Josh Payne – who was handed an additional three-match suspension for comments made to the match official after his red card against Harrogate.

“Just when you think you’re getting a full squad again something happens when you lose one or two, it’s always the way,” said Watson.

“One of these days I will have all 20 to choose from which will give me a headache.

“I get on great with Josh, I tell the lads that he’s my favourite! He plays the game the way I used to play it, very easy on the eye, great passer of the ball, can see a pass but I can’t back up what he did.”

It meant Adam Mekki got an opportunity in an unfamiliar central midfield role.

But Watson liked what he saw during last weekend’s home draw with Sutton.

“I watched him in training,” added the Fleet boss. “I’ve been told he is a wideman and a runner with the ball but needs must.

“I thought if you’re going to take out the guile of a Payne to pass through teams then you need to have energy, the ability to run with the ball, head, tackle and work hard.

“Frankie Sutherland and Adam were outstanding. I didn’t enjoy watching the game – swirling wind and not a nice pitch – and they probably didn’t enjoy playing in it, but they did the horrible side of the game very well. I’m really pleased with them.

“After a long week, we looked a little bit jaded second half and that’s why I thought it was a good point.”

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