Eastleigh manager Matt Gray has detailed a growing injury list as his side prepare for a tough away trip to Harrogate Town this Saturday. The Spitfires sit 12th in the National League with 14 points from nine games, but face a test against fifth-placed Harrogate with several key players sidelined.
Defender Nick Akoto suffered a nasty elbow injury in the 36th minute of last Saturday's 1-0 home win over Carlisle United and was forced off. "Nick Akoto went off with a nasty elbow injury, it didn’t look good," Gray said. "We all wish him a speedy recovery."
Midfielder Nelson Khumbeni is also set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the early stages of the 2-1 defeat at Sutton United on Tuesday. "Nelson has a hamstring injury that forced him off in the early stages against Sutton, so it looks like we could be without him for a couple of weeks," Gray added.
Striker Oli Hawkins, who missed the Boreham Wood match with a rib issue, remains a doubt after Gray admitted fault for starting him at Sutton. Goalkeeper Nick Townsend has now missed the last three fixtures due to a back spasm sustained in the warm-up before the Carlisle game. Former Saints academy player Josh Jeffries has been filling in between the posts.
The injuries come as Eastleigh look to improve their patchy away form, having secured only their second road win of the season last week. They face a Harrogate side recently relegated from the Football League and managed by an experienced boss. Gray's men have a clear week to prepare for the fixture at the EnviroVent Stadium.
Eastleigh's recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings. They will need to find consistency on their travels, with their next match away at Harrogate Town on Saturday, 26 September.
Background and full detail: Daily Echo
