Barnet goalkeeper Graham Stack is set to be sidelined for up to four months with a hip problem, the Times Series understands.

The 34-year-old goalkeeper has not played for the Bees since the 3-1 defeat at Bristol Rovers on August 22 due to an issue with his hip flexor.

Speaking last Monday, head coach Martin Allen revealed the former Arsenal and Wolverhampton Wanderers stopper would re-visit a specialist for further tests.

“We’re at a little crossroads at the moment,” explained Allen. He had an injection which did well but at the moment, it’s not cleared up.

“So we’re going to re-visit a specialist and have further tests. At the moment we don’t know which way that’s going to go.”

However, the Times Series has since learned the Bees’ number one will be sidelined for up to four months by the problem, meaning he is unlikely to return until February.

Stack has been working alone in the gym at The Hive in a bid to return to action as soon as possible but to no avail.

Asked last week whether a long-term lay-off for Stack would force him to bring in goalkeeping cover, head coach Allen confirmed he would not look to sign another keeper.