Barnet captain Charlie MacDonald will not be fit for the Bees’ FA Cup replay against Chelmsford City (8pm kick-off) – despite Martin Allen saying he would be on Saturday.

The forward has missed the Bees’ last ten games after suffering a strain of his medial knee ligament in September’s 3-0 victory at Dover Athletic.

MacDonald took some part in the warm-up at Chelmsford City on Saturday as he continued to step up his recovery, and speaking after the goalless fourth qualifying round stalemate, Allen confirmed the forward was in contention for Tuesday’s replay.

“Charlie MacDonald is fit now,” revealed Allen. Asked if that meant he could feature against the Clarets at The Hive on Tuesday, he replied: “Yes.”

However, the Bees head coach has since told the club’s website the 33-year-old forward is not ready to make his first-team return after all.

Said Allen: “Charlie MacDonald is not yet fit enough but he is going to train with the youth team on Tuesday morning and then we will review Charlie at the end of the week."

The Bees head coach also confirmed winger Keanu Marsh-Brown (thigh) and defender Sam Muggleton (shin) are still unavailable for selection for tonight’s replay.

Allen will once again select his strongest possible XI for the game, with the reward of a visit from League 2 high-fliers Wycombe Wanderers on offer for whoever advances into the first round proper.

“All of my focus and concentration is only on one thing, and that is getting the team, staff and players ready for Tuesday night,” stated Allen.

“Now it is a different test of all of us to go out and make our mark on this game and give us an opportunity now to keep winning on all fronts. I want to go for everything.

“It is an important game and it is an important competition for us. There is no doubt about it; I want to go as far as we can. It’s no distraction, it’s no problem. It is just another game for all of us to play and it is great to be involved in it.”

Chelmsford City will be without full-back James Love once more, as he serves the final game of a three-match ban. Rob Girdlestone should deputise.

For the winners, a home tie with Wycombe Wanderers awaits on Saturday, November 8, and a prize of £18,000.