Barnet captain Charlie MacDonald is still three weeks to a month away from making his first-team return, according to head coach Martin Allen.

Defender Sam Muggleton is also expected to be out for around a fortnight following a bruising challenge in the 1-1 draw at Braintree Town last week.

MacDonald, who has been sidelined since suffering a medial ligament strain in his knee at Dover Athletic last month, has missed Barnet’s last eight Conference fixtures.

Allen said: “Charlie MacDonald has been having a lot of treatment and (physio) Jayde (Cook) has done a good job with him – they have been working just about every day, morning and afternoon to get him fit.

“He is having some more tests and treatment through third parties outside of the football club and Charlie is probably three weeks to a month away.”

Writing in his programme column, MacDonald discussed his recovery: “My rehabilitation is kicking on and I am in the best possible hands to guide me back to full fitness, which shouldn’t be too far away now.

The 33-year-old has been attending sessions at the Isokinetic Medical Group facility in London, which specializes on knee injuries and utilises a five-step approach to recovery.

MacDonald continued: “I am quite fortunate to have gained contacts throughout my years of playing that have enabled me to attend this sort of facility. One of the head consultants at Isokinetic was my club doctor at Brentford FC and he, along with a small financial contribution from the PFA, it has been possible [sic] for me to get the best treatment I need.”

There was also a return to action for Keanu Marsh-Brown in Barnet’s 3-3 draw with Kidderminster Harriers – the winger having featured just once since August due to a recurring thigh strain.

“He trained Friday for the first time," revealed Allen. "He has been working with Jayde up in the gym and got through those tests he has got to do, so I just though as a substitute he would come on and make something happen – as we all know he can.

“He is a good player, he has had a good attitude in training and he has had a good attitude with our physiotherapist and we have got to integrate him back into our squad as soon as possible.”