EASTLEIGH have no idea when stellar summer signing Stuart Fleetwood will be back in action – but he has scant chance of featuring at home to Farnborough tomorrow.

The skilful forward required five stitches in his shin last Saturday as a result of the challenge that saw ex-Spitfire Mitchell Nelson sent off in a niggly 1-1 Conference South draw at Sutton United.

Although the incident happened in the 21st minute, Fleetwood played on until half time.

There was a bit blood on his sock but it wasn’t until he pulled it down for physio Andy Cook to tidy up the wound that the extent of the injury became apparent and it was clear he couldn’t continue.

Eastleigh have a busy week ahead with tomorrow’s match followed by another Hampshire derby at Alex Pike’s Gosport Borough on Tuesday. Then, next Saturday, they travel further afield to Ryman Premier leaders Maidstone United in the FA Trophy third qualifying round. Asked if Fleetwood is likely to make any of those games, manager Richard Hill said: “I really don’t know. The stitches are due to be in for seven to ten days.

“He’s not been able to get involved in any impact, contact or anything so we’ve given him the week off training and Cooky’s given him a programme to do at home.”

On the plus side, fellow forward Jai Reason returns tomorrow from a one-match suspension, but there are doubts over right-sided player Romone Rose who tweaked a hamstring in training when he and left-back Michael Green challenged for the ball.

“It’s nothing too serious and we’ll see how it settles down,” said Hill.

With Bromley thrashing Chelmsford City 5-0 on Tuesday while Eastleigh’s trip to Dover was rained off, the Kent club have pulled four points clear at the summit having played one game more than the second-placed Spitfires.

Tomorrow’s visitors Farnborough had a delayed start to the season while Conference officials scrutinised the club’s new ownership.

But ’Boro have made up for lost time and currently sit ninth in the table, seven points adrift of Eastleigh, having won three and drawn one of their last five games.

They drew 2-2 at Maidenhead on Tuesday and manager Spencer Day said of the Eastleigh game afterwards: “Play like we did tonight and we’ll be fine.

“It’s David versus Goliath in financial terms. They (Eastleigh) are openly going for the title and most managers in this division, myself included, are jealous of them. I’d love to be in their position.

“They’ve got talent all over the pitch and if they play well they know they’re due to smash someone. We’ve got to make sure it’s not us. I think we are one of the best sides in this division on our day.”