Barnet defender Michael Nelson won’t require surgery on his shoulder after all and could be fit within a month.

The 35-year-old ruptured ligaments and tendons in his shoulder after he dislocated it in the 4-2 win over Crawley Town last month.

It had been expected the former Norwich City defender, who was at Saturday's game, would be out for three months but could now be back within the month.

Speaking after Saturday’s goalless draw with Carlisle United, Martin Allen said: “We’ve had good news on Michael Nelson – he’s not having an operation now.

“We’ve been to see another consultant and he went back onto the grass on Friday to do some training with (physio) Luigi (Cerullo) so he’s in a much better place than we thought he would be.

“Hopefully he’ll be fit within a month.”

Allen also provided an update on goalkeeper Graham Stack who hasn’t played since August due to a problem with his abductor muscle.

“Stacky is coming on really well and having treatment with a specialist down in Swindon,” said Allen.

“He’s been working with him and he should be back within three weeks.”